"Unbroken Threads: A Woman's Journey Through Hardship and Purpose"

Who Knocks?

Just about three months ago, I submitted my portfolio to the Wellington Seagrass Foundation of Art and Music, hoping to win a five hundred thousand dollar grant to create and showcase my artwork. The event would be a one-night art and music extravaganza (my words, not theirs). If chosen, the process from conception to completion would take six months. Now, it's down to three of us.

Here I stand, a 46-year-old woman with four adult children, just now pursuing my passion in the fine arts. I have an average appearance and a body that tells the story of my life with its scars and stretch marks (marked up like the subway in Harlem, as they say). I am fully aware that there are younger, more marketable, and extremely gifted individuals vying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yet, I stepped out on faith and submitted my application.

I am up against two talented artists (I won't name them), and I know they want this as much as I do. At this point, all I can do is wait and pray! Pray and wait! Why, I ask! Why does it take so long to decide? Two and a half weeks pass, and still nothing. I begin to think that they only tell the winner if they've won, leaving the losers hanging. Am I a loser? Did I lose this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? (I'm going to die!) I'm going to pass out right here in my living room and die! Breathe, just breathe!

Another 48 hours and 53 minutes pass before my phone rings, and it's my mom. Only two people have my landline number: my mom and the Art Grant people. She tells me that a letter arrived four days ago from the Wellington Seagrass Foundation of Art and Music, addressed to me.

"What the heck?" Then I remembered that I used my mom's address on the application (because people steal mail where I live). (Anyway) She read it, and I dropped to my knees and began to wail! About 10 minutes pass. Mommy is crying, I'm crying! (I look like someone punched me in the face) "I got it!" I won the grant! I felt gratitude, excitement, and fear all rolled up in one.The letter states that I have until the end of the week to accept and schedule a meeting to discuss what happens next. (I can't breathe!) I quickly collected my thoughts and made the call. The woman from the WSFAM office informed me that I needed to be at their office in New York in exactly four days. 

They would cover my round-trip flight, hotel, and expenses for the entire week I would be there. They also informed me that at the meeting, I would meet with the board of trustees, my new PR representative, and the image consultant. (Overwhelming, to say the least)

I was nervous but excited. Immediately after the call to the WSFAM, I called my husband, Kin. (Why!!!!!) I thought he would be happy for me, but he wasn't. He worried about how he and the "kids" would survive a week without me. I was like, "Kids?" They are practically grown and can care for themselves. Thankfully, Mommy, being the ride-or-die chick, decided to stay at my house with the "kids" (not really kids since they are 18 and 19). I don't know why he can't just say he'll miss me.

I only had enough time to get a mani-pedi and pack before catching a flight. I arrived in New York and checked into the Illi Suites located on 14th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue. A-MAZING! (I had finally made it, literally!) (To God be the glory!) Tomorrow, I will begin the monumental process of creating what will forever be known as "Display Cases," highlighting art, fashion, and music.