I love the holiday season. I mean, this time of year always makes me feel like a kid again, Donnie Hathaway singing “This Christmas,” or The Temptations rendition of “Silent Night.” No matter how old I get, or how negative the circumstances may be, my childhood memories of holiday seasons past ignites a flame within me that warms the hearts of those around me. Word is bond.
I strongly believe that every child should be fond of the holiday season. It hurts to think of children who haven’t experienced the warmth of the holiday season. It also hurts to know that some children have experienced this holiday euphoria and never will again. Na mean?
Shannon Tavarez was an 11 year old thespian-to-be. This beautiful work of art starred on Broadway, playing the character of “Nala” in the classic stage play “The Lion King.” Baby Girl succumbed to acute myelogenous leukemia, a disease common in adults, but rare among children. Her life was so short, yet she has made an everlasting impression on so many people, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and 50 Cent to name a few. She left us at the cusp of this year’s holiday season, but I’m sure she brought joy to her family and loved ones while experiencing the excitement the holiday season can bring to a child.
Mirlande Felime’s family was devastated by the earthquake that shattered Haiti last year. In 2 years of existence, Baby Girl has endured more trauma than the average child growing up in this country. No doubt. Before Mirlande was brought to America, her diet consisted of rocks insects, hay and plastic. She escaped the disaster of her homeland when an American doctor detected a mass growing between her legs. A tumor the size of a small orange was the root of severe complications for this beautiful little person.
I’m relieved to report that Mirlande is now enjoying yogurt, fresh fruit and instant oatmeal on a daily basis. Seeing her in her fuschia knit dress and matching fuschia barrettes fills me with the warmth I spoke of earlier. You see, the holiday season fills me with warmth because I’ve experienced it as a child and a child is what the holiday season is really about, right? The holiday season began with a child’s birth. A child that felt warmth and affection during the most dire of circumstances. Feel me?
How can the holiday season not be a time of grand celebrations when children will always be amongst us? I pray that Mirlande remains in this country and is given a chance to experience what she has already given to so many others. Warmth reflection and gratitude for a child being the reason for the season. Ya heard?
As for Shannon, aka Nala, I applaud your legacy Baby Girl. Your MannofStat is more than honored to have encountered the heart of a lion soothed by the smile of a child. R.I.P. Lil’ Mama.
Keep it 100,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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