Sheroes are extraordinary women who inspire, encourage, advise, guide, support and love us. In honor of Women’s History Month, I will pay tribute to the woman who had a profound impact and the most positive influence in my life: Mrs. Gladys L. James. In an excerpt from my first book, Journal Reflections With 2020 Vision, she is described in detail in the vignette, “Sheroes and Heroes”.
Mrs. Gladys L. James is my Number One Shero. She was first cousin to my Daddy’s mother and she was truly a Phenomenal Woman. So phenomenal was she that when my sickly paternal Grandma Addie who suffered from severe asthma needed help raising her six children, the oldest of whom was my Daddy, cousin Gladys stepped right up, agreed to help, and she became a surrogate mother to all six of them. As the eldest child, Daddy was very close to and dependent upon reliable, trustworthy Mama Gladys. Thus, when his marriage to my mother Mela ended, he took my older sister Toy and me– ages 2 ½ years and 7 months, respectively - from Connecticut to Providence, RI to be raised by Grandma James, the woman who helped to raise him and his 5 younger siblings.
Grandma James loved us unconditionally, was overly protective, and she ruled the household with an iron glove. She was very strict; limited our television viewing, emphasized education, and expected excellent grades. Her mantra was Education is the key to success. A devout Episcopalian (Anglican Catholic), Grandma James took us to church every Sunday, we participated in numerous church sponsored activities, and we led a devoted Christian life.
Thanks to Grandma James, a self-educated woman with very limited formal education, I had access to the best colleges and universities in the world, and I was not only encouraged to achieve, her consistent, unwavering support and love guided me every step of the way. She is my Number One Shero because by her example, she profoundly influenced and helped to shape the woman that I have become. Another important statement she shared with us is this: “Be kind to the elderly and to children. You were a child once, and if you are so blessed, you will become an old person.” Her love for children translated into work in the Pediatric Ward of a local hospital, and she provided frequent childcare assistance to our neighbors.
She lived to be 91 years of age, bestowing wise words of wisdom and blessings upon all whom she encountered. She has rested peacefully since June 1990, a long life lived in loving support of family, extended family and friends.
I celebrate her, and I am forever grateful for the wonderful blessing she was in my life.
Pay homage to the exemplary sheroes who labored in the trenches and vineyards, laid the foundation on your behalf, and made it possible for you to excel and thrive.
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