SiSi 

I grew up in a large historical home on Detroit's West side. The Boston Edison District. The District consists of four upscale blocks:Chicago Boulevard, Boston, Edison, and Longfellow where the cool ice cream treat on a truck, that I longed for as a kid, wasn't allow to enter our upper-echelon block. For twenty-eight years, I was neighbor to some of the most prominent business men and women in Detroit. Not only diligent doctors and prestigious lawyers like Adam Shakoor (who was friends with my father for decades), but Detroit City Council persons as well. Mary Ann Maffey and Former Detroit City Council President Emeritus Erma Henderson the woman that would someday put my literary business on the map.

Mary Agnes Davis and Edward D. Davis are the neighbors I remember the most. The late Ed Davis was the first black automobile salesman in America and author of One Man's Way. His wife was the founder and president of the Co- Ette Club, a coming out event for upper crust teens. I resided directly next door to the famous couple. The country club held a special $150 a plate dinner in honor of Mrs. Davis at the Detroit Opera house, which she extended a complimentary invite to our family.

When it was time to attend college, I traveled all over the U.S. exploring the campus's of several different colleges. I finally decided I didn't want to leave Detroit and settled on the best historical, collegiate, landmark, Wayne State University. To me, it was perfect. I could live in my historical district home and attend school as well. I could tell you that I spent some time at this fine university, but that wouldn't be accurate. After, I finally graduated from WSU, I continued to return. I majored in Psychology and earned my Bachelors, my mental medical internship turned into a position with the Psychology department. It was a job I enjoyed immensely, until a sudden crack in the pavement threatened to open and swallow me whole.

Step on a crack, break my back. On May 5, 1999, the day after my credible college gradation, I was in a severe car accident. I simply fainted at the wheel. I suffered from spinal cord dislocation, neck fractures and a mild concussion. I often share my story on what it was like sitting at the red light one moment and waking up in an ambulance the next. I could hear my sister screaming from far away. Even though she was in close proximity to the ambulance, her screams sounded like they were coming from the next block. Gradually, they became closer and eventually fully awakened me. She said my open eyes had blood on them and were starring at nothing. To myself, I was only asleep. Nevertheless, doctors were hard-pressed to find anything wrong with a twenty-four year old, supposedly healthy girl. However, after several neurological exams I was diagnosed with over exertion. Weeks before, I had just signed contractual papers, securing my position and benefits with Wayne State University and the P.A.C.T ( Parents and Children Together) program. However, I never made it back to the position.

For several weeks after the accident I had trouble speaking and making complete sentences that were understandable. I stuttered somewhat and had actually forgotten how to ride a bike. Early, the next morning, after the accident, I remember my mother awakening me to ask me if I remembered what my name was and my birthday. My artistic, gourmet cook, sister Amnie would leave her apartment everyday (much to the chagrin of my expanding waistline) come over and cook my favorite breakfast. . . pancakes. She wasn't the only visitor. Not only my brothers and sisters came to check on me and visit, but several other relatives too. I much appreciated the warm loving blanket of prayers that surrounded me in a cocoon of security.

May-or May-Not

I was the youngest of five, yet I still remember my eldest sister, Toni tucking me and my older sister, Amnie into bed while Mom and Dad dined elegantly at Manoogian Mansion with former late, great, Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young. I don't want to claim to fame or spill that I was spoiled, but I didn't know until just several years ago that my mini mansion was not a regular size home. It was where I grew up and all I knew, until my parents divorced in 2004 and I was not to inherit.