Happy Birthday JuJu

Often times, we don't give people their roses while they can still smell it. We wait to say the most heartfelt things at funerals and these days on social media. For some of us with African parents, our people do not get the love and affection they are due. Facebook and emojis are not enough for what they do and most times, they do not reach them. This month I want to celebrate a woman who deserves all the praises and my gratitude. Unfortunately, she cannot read this because she is illiterate. She did not get formal education, but she is one of the smartest people I know. I wanted to document this for my children and all the world to know about Ma Julia (known to many as Juju) and her tireless service and love. 

Growing up in Liberia, having a maid is not a big deal. It doesn't mean you are wealthy (although that is the case for some). It simply means you can afford to have that necessity. Labor is very cheap so you find families with maids, security guard, Errand boy, etc. My family was blessed to have Ma Julia with us for most of my early childhood and teen years. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, iron our school uniform, grocery shop and did everything to keep the house in order. She was employed to be our maid, but became family. I remember watching her memorize the entire grocery list because she could not read the actual list to the market. I admired her as my mother would red out loud each items and she would nod and take mental note.  She could remember a list of over 50 or more items without any mistake every single time. Talk about amazing! Among all that she did, were the things that were not part of her job description that touched me the most...When I first started liking boys, it was not a friend that I shared it with; it was Juju. She told me "man business cant pass, just take your time". When I first saw my period, it was not my mother I told; Juju was right there telling me what to do and what it meant. "You woman na ooo" When I used to wet my bed as a young child, I would confide in her and she will change the sheets without telling anyone. That was our little secret and she protected it. Thanks Juju! When I broke a glass and knew I was getting a beating for it, she covered it up for me. we never spoke about it after that day. As a teen, she was my sound board. When I needed to complain about my teenage life, or talk about boys, fashion, or celebrities (Lil Bow Wow), she was there to listen. Julie would sometimes offer advise or most times just listen and say "norma yeah?" meaning sorry. When I cried about things she knew she could not offer solutions to, she would say  "I na know what to teh you oo, bor keep talking" (I do not know what to tell you, but keep talking). Now, that's love!

I know I can never pay her back for her time and service, but I hope my continuous gratitude towards her keeps her smiling. I spent over 10 years abroad and came back right into her arms. She is still my maid because she refused to "just sit down". I've tried to get her to play another role in my life, but service is her calling. On May 1st she celebrated another year on this earth. She told me she didn't want anything, but to see me happy and to get her a grandchild (laughs). Julie is one of a kind. Everything I know about housework, she taught me. I even learned a little Bassa (A Liberian dialect) from her. Every chance she got, she told me "Don't worry, I will do it" and this made life so easy growing up. I owe most of my happy childhood days to her. I got to play with my friends and skip chores because I had Julie. I cannot write everything she did as this might take me all year. There are those who do and we see and then there are people like Julie. I am grateful Love you Julie! THANK YOU JUJU FOR YOUR LOVE, SERVICE & CONTRIBUTION TO THE WOMAN I AM TODAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD BLESS.