OG Birthday
The hardest part about being in prison is not being with your family. I don't care what the security level of the prison is; that alone is punishment. Since being here I dread holidays and birthdays the most. The days leading up to these special occasions are always sad for me and filled with a lot of guilt.
Today was no different. My first born had her 25th birthday. In here they call you an OG once you reach 25. On our visit last week, she told me that she was not looking forward to her birthday this year because I would not be there. My daughter informed me that this was the first birthday of hers I ever missed. She also wanted to make sure that I did not break our family tradition and that I called her to tell her her birth story, something I do with all of my girls on their special day.
So, this morning around 10:30 am I headed to the phone to place the call. I was trying to wait until close to the time that she was born, which was 10:50 am. We chatted, I told her the story, and I heard all about the birthday celebration. Although I attempted to keep things as normal as possible, I could hear the sadness in her voice. I apologized for my absence but she reminded me that we have plenty more birthdays to celebrate, and that we will do.
My daughter shared with me that she had a moment of revelation where she was reminded of the importance of making the best of what you have. She talked about the obstacles that she ran into in preparation for her birthday. And just when she was about to throw in the towel, she was reminded of what is important. She remembered that life is short and you can't sweat the small stuff. And that is the mark of an OG. When you can process, pivot, and see through the eyes of love.
I do not for one second take for granted the impact this experience has had on my girls. They too are doing time. In spite of it all, they are doing it with grace. I am proud of my girls. All of my girls. My OG. My OGs.
Happy 25th Birthday Victoria! Mama loves you. #ProudMom #FirstandLastBirthdayApart
