#1dayuntil40 So, before this chapter closes, I reflect on the woman who brought me into this world and prepared me for this journey. I always joke with a friend about the term ‘Day 1’ because it’s rarely used to describe those who were there from literally day 1. Lena Bing is truly my Day 1 & my Day Forever. She was born in Oakland Park, FL and the youngest of 12 surviving siblings. She grew up on a migrant camp and had to pick vegetables & cotton growing up. She spent summers traveling to work in hotels in housekeeping to bring money home for the family. She lived in a home where they didn’t have enough utensils for everyone to eat, so they learned how to eat w/ their hands. When she was in her teens, she was part of the 1st group of Black students to integrate Richards Middle school. She had to fight w/ students who hated her because of her skin color. After her mom passed when she was 16/17, she was able to move into a new home, gain a new family and thrive. She got her associates degree. Then she had to raise a son on her own. . . She had to deal a son who didn’t have his father. A son with low self-esteem. A son who tried to run away from home. A son who was energetic and active. A son who got bored with school often. A son who questioned his existence. A son who was raw, closed off and isolated at times. A son who made mistakes. All of the amazing people in my life she introduced me to them and approved them. She made sure what she couldn’t teach me, she found someone that could. She played every role in my life that was needed for me to survive and grow. She made a dollar stretch to $10k just for me to experience all I could. She sacrificed a life she could’ve enjoyed to make my life memorable. . . We’ve done everything together. It’s been the 2 of us since Day 1. If God gave me the choice to do it over, I would choose her as my mother every single time. I am Lena’s Son. My life’s goal is to never fail her. I hope I make her proud. . . #40daysuntil40 #countdownto40 #lenasson #anthony #jamesanthony #bing #beanie #lena #justthe2ofus #lauderdale #blackmoms #blackmothers #ilovemymom (at Fort Lauderdale, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp8b7RTF5vg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xuujgxr43qlf
