Happy Thanksgiving Week, Ya’ll.

I’m thankful for my support system and my octagon of loved ones. Every so often, I make a post on social media highlighting them and being hella extra and mushy about it. This week, I’ve decided to highlight two people. One for today and another person for Thursday.

For this Thanksgiving Tuesday, I’d like to highlight: Alivey

            Her name is Olivia, but somehow I ended up calling her Alivey these last two or three years.  My mama used to refer to her as, “Olivia? Oh, the pretty one. Yes. How her Mama and everything?”

Which I’m sure she never minded that, anyway.

                We’ve been friends since college, but it wasn’t until 2013 that we got close. Olivia has been her true self from day one. Unapologetically. When I began to experience life (Remember I’m a late bloomer) in 2013, I saw Alivey in a new light. As I bloomed, she watched already knowing where I was coming from because she was once in my position: The journey of self-discovery.

            Olivia’s This is who I am, take it or leave it vibe is what I aspire to have ALWAYS. I believe that if you can’t truly be who you are, then peace cannot be invited in your heart 100%. I jokingly say sometimes and say she’s to blame for me truly finding what makes me happy and being who I am. She rubbed off on me in the most significant way: Just fucking be.

            She’s multi- faceted, creative, funny, chill, kind and supportive. Whew, she’s supportive. Lawyer, writer, doctor, stripper, hoe, singer, whatever: She’s supportive. She just wants to see her people happy. When I had my first ever poetry reading, she came through with congratulatory gifts and hugs. She has consistently been there for me, even when I slowing began leaving the 9-5 to work for myself. Whether she purchased my books, left reviews or re-shared my videos: She’s consistently been in my corner rooting for me.

             At the same time, she will NOT sugar coat and holds me accountable for my mess. She wants to see me happy, but not partake in things that reveal self-hate and damage. Whether I like to hear it or not: She gon’ check me if need be. We all need friends who will uplift and encourage us, but us hold us accountable. In 2017, I was at a bus stop losing my damn mind and Alivey reminded me of my actions and the reality of some important decisions I needed to make. I’m pretty sure I would have handled the situation another way if I didn’t reach out to her.

                2017 was one of those shitty years for me. For real. I was almost evicted. Rough, ya’ll. This woman slid grocery money my way for me to eat and it wasn’t no $100 either. She did it without hesitation. When she had a housewarming that August it was fun, ridiculous and entertaining. More importantly, I needed it. To be surrounded by good people and to be in an environment where I felt loved, safe, at ease and fed. Yes, I said fed. Alivey can throw down, ya’ll! I left the next day feeling uplifted. I can only hope that I have reciprocated and uplifted her and encouraged her during the moments she needed/needs it.

            With the heart the size of 45 Buick’s and an all white Escalade, I’m thankful for Alivey’s friendship, kindness and understanding. As the years continue, I will strive to pour into her as much as she has poured into me. She is definitely one of the gems in my life that I will keep close to me until our season is up or somebody joins their ancestors.