Diary

Some Pain Comes Tailored Made

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Some Pain Comes Tailored Made

These last three months have been coming at me fast, but oddly I find myself taking its impact like Neo dodging bullets in the matrix. I’m not saying, “I haven’t been hit.” But, the lessons I’m learning are making me stronger. My younger cousin lost her grandmother yesterday, and as I spoke with her this morning, I reflected on the pain of losing our grandfather. Oddly, when grandpa died I was around my cousin’s age, a recent Morgan State graduate breaking into the marketing world. Good grandparents act as a child’s first cheerleader. They see your magic even as the world is...

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Resilience Is Revealed During Prosperity Brunches in Baltimore

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Resilience Is Revealed During Prosperity Brunches in Baltimore

I’m fascinated by the resilience of black people. Call it self-love, black magic or favor; no matter the name, all my years of living have proven 5 things: #1. I Know to Wear Cute Socks. From the moment I received the invitation to my friend’s Prosperity Brunch, I knew I didn’t have to get glam. In this crowd, your “substance” is your style. Plus, I don’t know many people who don’t have a “no shoes” policy in their home. Do you know where the soles of your shoes have been? Yuck! #2. I Know to Google all Recent Films Written, Produced, Directed and/or Starring People of Color. To hell with...

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Baltimore Is Flipping The Script

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Baltimore Is Flipping The Script

There are moments in life that move you to your feet. You feel the chill of goosebumps down your arms and your heart is full because real recognize real. Oh, Hi! I’m Dionne. A lot has changed since I started Mommy’s Open Diary seven years ago. Look at me, I have two additional dependents, we’ve moved five times, I’ve had two promotions, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, I started three new medications to cope with Donald Trump being the President of the United States and my husband died and came back to life (yeah, that’s a whole other story). But, through it all,...

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8 Reasons This Mother Hasn’t Called You

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8 Reasons This Mother Hasn’t Called You

A friend of mine called me on Monday, left me a vague voicemail message, and I did not return her call until Wednesday. When I called, she proceeded to make me feel guilty for not responding as quickly as she expected. She used those sarcastic phrases I have become all too familiar with like, “Well, I know how important you are…” or “Thank you for finding the time to fit me in…” Since having children, there have been a few times the awful thoughts below have run through my mind. Do I always feel this way?…”Absolutely Not!” Will some of my...

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Revealed: 10 Things That Happen Post Baby

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Revealed: 10 Things That Happen Post Baby

Once you have children, your world changes. At least mine did. And, when I speak to women, I find that no matter our color or background, we tend to share similar experiences. I engaged in a little girl talk on Mommy’s Open Diary facebook page and discovered the Top 10 Things that Happen After Having Children. Feel free to add to the list! 10. FAMILY Your extended family will get tired of babysitting. I’m not saying they won’t babysit, but prepare yourself for a few reluctant yes’ and your call going straight to voice mail. Girl Talk:  If you have no other choice,...

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The Constant vs. The Variable–Which One Are You?

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The Constant vs. The Variable–Which One Are You?

I have a weekly call with my grandparents who live down south. And, as always, my grandmother went on and on about how much she would love for my brother to call her. She told me how she prays and thinks of him often. She swooned about how she loves hearing his deep voice say, “Hi, Grand-MAW”. She reminisced how my brother loved eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a child. Gag me with a jagged spork! As I hold the phone away from my ear, rolling my eyes, I can feel my blood boil up my back. Here’s the deal, I take the time to check on my grandparents, make sure...

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34-Weeks with Twins–They Said I’d Be Lucky To Make it

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34-Weeks with Twins–They Said I’d Be Lucky To Make it

Today, I am 34-weeks pregnant with twin boys. If you would have asked me seven weeks ago if this seemed likely I would have said, “No.” At 27-weeks, I was rushed to Labor & Delivery because I was two and half centimeters dilated and experiencing strong contractions– though I didn’t feel a thing. Here I was thinking I was coming in for a routine ultrasound and BAM! they had me rolling through triage in a wheelchair. Let me first share that I HATE hospitals. I acknowledge their benefits but they make me very uncomfortable. I have a grandmother who lives and breathes...

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