Open Letter to Rose

By time you read this letter, most of the congratulations will have come and gone. The same crowd that was there to cheer you on will be the same crowd staring from a distance, waiting to point out and scrutinize your every move or either applaud in the most subtle form possible. That high that you felt will begin to wear off. The feeling of having the capabilities to conquer the world may fade and one of bondage to the responsibilities and unrealistic societal expectations may arise and attempt to lock you in it’s prison. The feeling of exhilaration may last for a few more days, and finally, everything will feel normal again.

And unfortunately, it’s within the acceptance of normalcy that you will lose yourself and all that you stand for.

Rose, you are special and have never been normal by any measure of such word. Growing up I was able to witness your greatness and sense the potential when others didn’t. I remember the little girl who came from Haiti that didn’t speak much because she hadn’t yet learned a language foreign to her native tongue. But yet, it was in your silence that you said the most as your untiring work ethic spoke volumes. Don’t ever let this world mute you.

For your actions let us know that a young black adolescent can come from a third world country and not only compete but dominate the best of them. Two bachelors degrees in five years from two different upper echelon universities is unheard of in our family. But with your actions Rose, we hear you LOUD and CLEAR.

If we live a life that fails to inspire anyone, it’s safe to say that we’re living in a way that makes us appear dead to everyone. Keep living Rose. Keep inspiring the young girls who feel the need to disrespect themselves just to garner attention; when you have seek none, but have found it all. Keep inspiring the young kids that only see their obstacles but not the end goal. Whatever you do Rose, you must keep on keeping on in your knack to inspire.

Pablo Picasso once said, “some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.” Rose, you have always been the latter. Go be one of the best nurses to ever live and paint smiles where there are frowns, be an umbrella when there is rain, be a crutch when one can not walk on their own, but most importantly, do it all while still being Rose; that is, unorthodox, and never normal.

From the bottom of my heart Rose, I love you and am very privileged to be related to you. As I conclude this open letter, I want to remind you to never accept normalcy. For it is in the acceptance of this worlds false realities that we forfeit not only our freedom but our sanity. Fly like a bird young one, but don’t forget to remain grounded. And when you find it difficult to remain grounded, just remember, even cloud technology must be grounded in a warehouse for it to work effectively.

Love,

Jeffrey Delva