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My First

July 1, 2008

Today is my birthday. I was born on January 5, 1981 at 9:50am. It is also the day that my paternal grandmother, Anna Wiley, was born, January 5, 1917. It is also the day that my maternal grandmother, Marietta Bassett, was born, January 5, 1924. Both of these women have effected and affected my thoughts, actions, my growth and its probably safe to say, every one of my decisions. Everyone who truly knows me, knows that without a doubt, my grandmothers were my TRUE and BEST friends.

I have never thought of my birthday as a day for me, but rather a day to celebrate two very strong women. These women were both in the south and migrated to Chicago, which is why I became a "fat boy", because they brought that Southern real cooking to the family. They didn't have a college degree, matter of fact they didn't have much of an education. However, they did have smarts, they had determination, they had tenacity, they had love. Anna Wiley raised six childern (4 men and 2 women) and Marietta Bassett raised six childern (2 men and 4 women). I can say the first gift that was ever given to me was that I was born on the same day as these women and that I have been able to say that I share the same birthday as both of my grandmothers.

My paternal grandmother, Anna Wiley, passed away when I was 13 years old and I will never forget the feeling and the sight of seeing my father breakdown as we arrived at her house only to be informed that she passed away moments before we arrived. Watching your father cry really teaches a boy a lot about what it means to love and be a real man. My maternal grandmother, Marietta Bassett, passed away when I was 26 years old, just this October. This time, I was not there the day she passed, but I still had to watch 6 of the greatest men and women(my mother, aunts, and uncles) break down. Again, I was taught a lesson about family and love that I will always cherish.

Now it is January 5, 2008, and for the first time I do not have a grandmother to call first thing in the morning and wish a happy birthday. Every year it has always been the same, my grandmother reminding whoever was wishing her a "happy birthday" that "hey, don't forget it's Jason's birthday too", or "you know it's Jason's birthday right?" It was always so funny to me, because I never minded people forgetting it was my birthday as long as they celebrated my grandmothers' birthday. However, both my grandmothers were very focused on making sure people celebrated my birthday.

I have been given many gifts in my life, a great family, a truly understanding and supportive wife, many wonderful friends, and other material items that when you stack them up just don't compare to the real gifts in life. It has all paled in comparison to being born on the same day as my grandmothers. They taught me to be a man and to know that I was never to old for a whooping(if you never had to get the belt, switch, spoon or any usable item for your own demise, you have never lived life). This is my first and I only hope that I live a life with as much dignity, love, and spirit as they both lived. I missed my friends today, but its okay because I am a part of their legacy.

Love you GRANDMAS

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Comments (1)

I couldn't fall asleep last night and was reading your blog again. I was very touched and thought about leaving you a simple comment.

We should live a better life holding their strong spirits. They must be watching far away happily.

Posted 141 days ago by Christine

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  • Jason Wiley

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Jason's Latest Commentary (6)

  • November 17, 2008

    Voting is suppose to be anonymous, so I question the validity of the poll.  Also, who was responsible for the poll?  Either way, I don't quite understand how allowing someone to be committed and become a more stable home can be bad for anyone?  Also, how does other people getting married affect others, i.e. even if a heterosexual couple gets married tomorrow, it won't affect me, so why would a gay couple affect me.  "RIGHTS" is a powerful word and why shouldn't everyone have the same rights?  I thought that was the point of this country....  If someone can explain why it's so bad for same sex marriage other than, I think it's wrong, then I will agree, as of now, I could care less if anyone wants to get married.  Because I have heard a lot of reasons why it is bad if a committed couple can't be married; i.e., legal, in death decisions, property, etc.

  • November 11, 2008

    It's interesting because both of our recent posts are about the overwhelming emotions that we are all feeling by the election of Barack Obama.  There are a lot of hard times ahead of our new President.  I hope we all give him time and work to help him accomplish the necessary things to make this country successful.

  • September 26, 2008

    I know I will do my part to make sure it happens next year.  Even though I spent most of my time in the hospital.  I would do it all again to make sure the picnic happens

  • August 4, 2008

    Okay, but lets be honest, there is a general type of person who is urinating in public, in the middle of the day, with no influence of alcohol or drugs.  Is it good to start that path with a child so early? 

  • July 20, 2008

    This is where I have always wondered about the translation of the Bible, because I do not believe that anyone should ever fear, i.e. be scared, nervous or un sure about GOD, but always have faith that his will and his love will carry you through anything.  To me, by having faith in him and believing in his WORD, you will always try to live life as he would want you.  Unfortunately, everyone is human, so no one can ever live life perfectly as we should, but in trying to live a GODly life, you are also assuring and displaying to everyone your Faith in GOD.  If I have Faith in him, why would I Fear him?

  • June 30, 2008

    does it really mean family

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