My friend, Elias

My son, Michael Elias Brown, was born nearly 17 years ago on my mother’s birthday. I named my son after a friend of mine, Adam Elias Morales. The last time I saw my friend, Elias, was in 1993.

Well, lo and behold, my friend, Elias, crossed my path again. Who would’ve thought that we would be sitting here together again, nearly 15 years later. I love this man and his family like my own. And I had a secret crush on his sister.

I ended up marrying a Latina woman and when my son was born, of course, he was of Black and Mexican decent, and Elias’ sister commented, “I always knew you would go that way”. That is, I would marry someone who was Latina. However, that union was short-lived and we divorced and I remarried and divorced again.

I believe my friend and I have met again for a reason. And it is so wonderful to have a friend with me; strangers no longer surround me. And additionally, this man knows “Mike Brown”, not “Bakari” as I have attempted to reinvent myself.

Hey Lil Sis, Bina, if you are reading this, “Keep ya head up momma, tough times don’t last for long”. I send out mad props to the entire family and to everyone else I know now and have known for years – I love you all. Peace.