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Curly Nikki

15 Days of Giving Thanks- Lisa

By January 27th, 202114 Comments
15 Days of Giving Thanks- Lisa

Lisa writes:

It may sound like something so trivial to some, but I am thankful every single day for my supportive family. I know quite a few people who either do not have any family, or their family has gone through some major tribulations and struggles. I am lucky, and blessed, to have such a strong family that bonds together not only in times of joy, but in the face of sorrow and hardship as well. They are truly something to be thankful for.

My own parents played an integral role in me becoming the woman that I am today. My father served in the U.S. Air Force and my mother works for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Together, they instilled into our household the characteristics of hard work, integrity, and, most importantly, love. I was always encouraged to be the best I could be and because of this I was never afraid to reach for my goals. They gave me the solid foundation I needed to achieve my educational goals, including graduating high school among the top 10 in my class, and receiving my MS in Architecture and MBA degrees. When things got tough and I contemplated giving up, I could always count on my parents to provide the heart-to-hearts that got me back on the right track. It may not have been what I wanted to hear, but it was always something I needed to hear.

15 Days of Giving Thanks- Lisa15 Days of Giving Thanks- Lisa

My older sister is one of my best friends, and although we’re 10 years apart, we have the strongest relationship of any sisters I’ve ever seen. I’ve looked up to her since I was little; she’s been my role model, fashion icon, and confidant when I needed to talk. I also have a younger brother who has taught me never to give up. Being my younger sibling of 3 years, we didn’t always get along, but he always made things interesting. I’m sure he was tired of being “Lisa’s little brother” while in school, but he has since grown into a strong young man and I’m so proud of him. He is currently serving in the U.S. Army for our country, and for that I am thankful.

15 Days of Giving Thanks- Lisa

When I made the decision to go natural in 2004, it was a new experience for all of us. My mother has always had wavy hair, and my sister has worn her hair short, but now my brother and I looked more alike than ever! My grandfather and grandmother were the first two people in my family to witness my remarkable transformation. Although I got the occasional ribbing from my family, everybody jumped on board when they realized that I wasn’t going back to a relaxer. Within a week after my “big chop,” I was involved in a terrible car accident while returning to Austin. This was such a traumatic experience for not just me, but all of my family. Not only am I thankful for my life, I am grateful for having a family that prayed for my well being and helped me get back on my feet. This was the year I was supposed to graduate from college with my first degree and unfortunately the accident postponed this milestone. Emotionally I was down, but still glad to be alive and able to spend quality time with my family. A few months after the accident, when I would have been away at school, my grandmother passed away. I was heartbroken, but at the same time I was thanking God that the tragedy I recently experienced allowed me to be with my family through this time of sorrow.

When I decided to start blogging, I received support from everyone I shared this aspiration with. Without their support I would have never followed through with this project, nor would I have brave enough to express my affinity for natural hair in such a public forum. Even my Dad has been following my blog! I sympathize with those who have never had this kind of support when they try to reach for their dreams, or who may have even received negative criticisms from the ones closest to them. I am thankful for the fact that my family and friends have always backed me 100%.

I appreciate every phase that I have experienced in life because things can quickly change in the blink of an eye. My family has been there through thick and thin, and they are the one thing I can always count on. These kinds of relationships are once in a lifetime and should not to be taken for granted. If you have estranged family members or friends, now may be a good time to reach out to them. Remember, it’s never too late to mend a strained relationship and build an even stronger one for the future.

**Head over to the 15 Days of Giving Thanks homepage to enter today’s contest!**

14 Comments

  • Anonymous says:

    Wow, what a good-looking family! On a deeper note, you are amazing and so is your family. Stay close.

  • Lisa Michelle says:

    @Jay Jay that's about all we can do sometimes…it's out of our hands anyway! Just do what you can girl and let Him take over.

    You guys make me smile!! Thanks for the love, I can definitely feel it! P.S. my mom said she got a little choked up after reading it 🙂 Dad is out of town, but I can't wait til he reads it!

  • ShoeHOTLINE says:

    Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing

  • Lisa Michelle says:

    The love is SO amazing from the Curly Nikki fam!!! My blog is www.ThisHairOfMine.com and I'm also at www.facebook.com/thishairofmine. I truly appreciate all the kind words…my family will be so surprised!!

  • Anonymous says:

    Wow what a beautiful story and beautuful family. I love seeing families stick together through thick and thin. I pray my family will continue to do the same.

  • Anonymous says:

    What a inspirational story…What is your blog? Thanks for sharing!!

  • Aina says:

    You, your story, your eyes and your hair are all extremely beautiful!

  • Emily CottonTop says:

    very inspirational story, I can relate so much I thank God for your family and their service and I appreciate the fact that you shared!… I have to say your dad gave you guys the most gorgeous eyes!…wow..

  • Jay-Jay says:

    @ Lisa Michelle I truly hope it'll get better because it's going on 3 years now. I just have to let go and let god handle it. Thanks for responding back.

  • Anonymous says:

    You have a beautiful family and I am very thankful that you shared your post! And tell them all I am thankful for their service and sacrifices for this country. Even the family of those service men and women have to sacrifice much for us… so THANK YOU!

  • Lisa Michelle says:

    Thank you Michelle, Jay-Jay, and Ms. KeepingItReal! Family is something that often times gets overlooked or taken for granted, and I am so blessed to have mine behind me 100% There's nothing more powerful than words of encouragement, because that is what helps to me going and I hope other people feel the same way.

    @Jay-Jay I've seen so many situations like yours where something happens and the family has it out…it's happened on both sides of my family! All you can do is your best, and when the time is right all will be mended. We actually get our eyes from my Big Baby, my dad's mother. She's 87 years old and ailing, but she's in the best hands…all I can say is that God is good!

  • Ms. KeepingItReal says:

    Wonderful story! Very moving. Thanks for sharing.

  • Jay-Jay says:

    I love your story and it touch me very close. I'm the only child from my mother and we use to be VERY close, like sisters, until I was in a messed up relationship. She told me she wasn't going to deal with me as long as I was dealing with him. Eventually I stopped dealing with him and me and my mothers relationship is still the same. So I'm happy for anyone that has support and unconditional love from their family.

    Random thought-you and your dads eyes are gorgeous. It reminds me of owls eyes. The color is just so vibrant.

  • Michelle G says:

    Lisa from the moment I was fortunate enough to met you, although brief, you left a mark. You exude these aura of beauty and now I know it is cause of how genuine you are. I am so glad to read that your family has been supportive and stood by you through it all. That is definitely something to be thankful for. Thank you for sharing your story with so many people.

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