How it all began: Rev. W E Hayes, Tritobia Hayes-Benjamins father, accepted the pastorship at Mt Pleasant Baptist Church, (circa 40s), Edith K. Flakes, (my mother) was Organist, Choir Director. Tritobia and I, started out @ St.Bartholomew @age 4, MW Gibbs-1st grade, @ 6, Dunbar- 7th grade, @ Horace Mann,-10 grade. Tritobia finished, salutatorian. Thru the years, if you saw Tritobia Hayes-Benjamin, you saw me and vice versa. Things changed a little. Tho my mother attended Howard University, Howard U. was too far from daddy and mommy for me. Toby want to Howard and I chose a school closer to home, so for the first time, we were separated. Fast forward: One of her part-time jobs while in college was a switchboard operator at the White House, I felt privileged getting a call from the White House (LOL) (circa 60s) Toby was always there. Even when I didnt share certain info, she always knew something was up and would contact me and vice versa. Like we were twins, in different locations, somehow she felt something. (Always amazing to me). Toby was in love. When she notified me to indicate she was getting married, I and two others attended the private ceremony and were witnesses when she married Donald Benjamin. Tho I missed the delivery for Zalika and Aminah, I was there for Anwars birth. But guess what, tho a mother, she went to Providence, RI, babe in tow, attained her masters. Next milestone academically was receiving her doctorate from University of Maryland. (I, her mom, husband, children and Bernetta) was there. Saw many days and nights, juggling, work, mom and school. I was living in DC, at the time and helped out whenever needed, which was a lot, But it was family helping family, the natural thing to do. (Circa 80s-90s) In and out of DC as an employee, as a guest or tenant in her home, we (family and me) spent all our time together, ie., holidays, birthdays, reunions (family and school), outings, reading research material, editing, art gallery setup, proofreading, art shows, receptions, Xmas gift shopping, grocery shopping, you name it. etc., or just relaxing watching movies, one of favorite pasttimes, we did it all together. Through it all, its been a amazing journey. I couldnt have asked for a better friend. We shared a lot (laughs, joys, tears, trials, tribulations, agreements, disagreements, but through it all we loved each other, our families and truly understood the ties that bind! Bless be the tie that binds! Luv ya Toby! Missing ya! Rest in Peace and Love!
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 03:38:31 +0000
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