Duet
They called her the island’s mayor. Which is funny, because of course there is no mayor out here. But truly, she was at the center of every effort to improve life in this rural, African-American community.
If you couldn’t afford to fix your roof or heat your house, she’d send the right somebody. She’d get you hot meals, job training, free child care - the list went on forever. And if your son landed in jail, no worries. The Sherriff took her calls personally, whatever the hour.
Before retiring back home, she’d owned a jazz club in New York City. Tough, proud, and immensely savvy, she commanded the respect of the island’s most powerful men. They didn’t cross her often. And when they did, she could usually outsmart them.
Her good works were accomplished through about 20 people I called her lieutenants, and many more they could quickly summon. Pre-cell phones, she’d run us down anytime, anywhere: “Honey, I need you like a dead man needs a coffin!” She was utterly selfless - who could say no?
So dozens of us might be out there in the hot summer dawn, under the wide oaks in the pale, steamy light. Maybe a food truck had arrived unexpectedly, so we were rushing perishables to needy families. She was hot under her big wig, bracelets jingling, ankles swollen, old high heels mashing into the sand as she dashed after a deacon. “Hey Deac! Deac! Don’t forget Miss Ella Jenkins. She’s all alone now.”
***
For eight years we lived in each other’s pockets. I was a lawyer and fundraiser working for community groups. She was an incredible political strategist, and so brave she made my head spin.
We got white folks and black folks working together like they’d never done before. We changed laws. Reworked zoning. Stopped a five-lane highway from bisecting the island. Also - a real coup - we helped protect an island up the coast from all development, forever.
And, we visited doctors. They patched her up. Kept her going. Once a rude young doc asked, “Do you realize it took $100,000 to bring you back from your last illness?” I looked away, embarrassed for him. He had no idea who he was talking to.
***
In public, we never let on how close we were. But I knew about the red sequin fishtail dress she wore one night to her jazz club. And how her husband beat her until her eyes swelled shut because he thought she looked too good.
I also knew how Jesus had once appeared at the foot of her hospital bed and brought her back from death. He was robed and hooded in white, she said, with no face. Just pure love shining.
She knew about me too. That I was disappointed with work and relationships. That I had little relish for life. That I dreamed vaguely of being an artist. “What kind of artist?” she asked gently. I didn’t know. “Well, baby, you’ll be the bes’ artist. That’s what kind. The bes’.”
***
Her last illness was blessedly brief. We met with a kidney specialist, whose eyes widened at the sight of a few dark drops of urine she’d brought in an old milk bottle. I took her straight to the hospital. She dropped into a coma, and two weeks later was gone.
At first, she fought death. Tossed in bed. Tugged at tubes. In the fluorescent ever-day of hospital nights, as I slept in a foldout chair, she visited me in dreams. “No way,” she’d fuss. “I’ve got too much to do.”
Her husband came once. Sat in that same chair and said cruel things. I thought she’d tear open her eyes and fight right back. But then, as the days passed, it was sweet to watch her grow peaceful.
One day I arrived to find her nurse elated. “Go see your patient!” she said. I tiptoed over and gazed at her soft, relaxed face.
Suddenly, her eyes opened wide. I flew back and hit the wall behind me. Because it was so unexpected. And because there was something in her eyes I’d never, ever seen before.
We held hands for the longest time. Then she slept again. And slipped away two days later.
***
What was that look in her eyes? So charged with meaning. I was praying, searching for an answer. Here’s what I got:
“She’s given you her guts, her grit, her drive, her determination. Nina, her desire to live. You won’t feel it right away. It’s a gift you’ll keep opening for the rest of your life.”
It’s been twelve years now. And just last week, I think because of my intense focus on Radical Acts this summer, I finally got through most of the gift wrap.
Inside, I found the same white-robed presence that once stood at the foot of her hospital bed. Just pure love shining. But so bright, so fierce, that it cracks open an entirely new day.
By Nina deCordova
HEAL the sick, cast out evil, raise the dead
LIVE more abundantly
Topics: Christ Jesus, Healing
Nina, I can hardly type through the tears. Thank you for sharing.
I especially loved “in public we never let on how close we were”. I know friendship like that. Such a deep current of connection, but one that must be fiercely protected because the world would not understand.
Galvinizing Nina. Galvinizing, Nina.
Kristin, I’m so grateful to you for understanding. I still marvel in retrospect at what I was learning about Jesus’ teachings through her. She wasn’t overtly Christian, quoting Bible verses right and left. She just lived it spectacularly. I hope someone says that of me someday!
I think the “mayor” sounds remarkable and I’m sure you were very blessed by knowing her, but I’m not understanding the science in this article. Can you explain please? What did you “see” in her eyes? I don’t think she could’ve given you something that you didn’t already have.
You’re so right. No one can give us anything we don’t already have. But surely we can help awaken one another to the reality and magnitude of Life and Love. There you have it, in Scientific terms!
If Science is the truth of Being, as it most assuredly is, it shines through everything noble and beautiful. Including this “duet” — or really, this trio with the Christ. It’s refreshing not to have the Science so thoroughly explained. It lets the story resonate. It gives the reader more to ponder.
May we know her name please:)? And what island does the story take place on? Beautifully written inspiring story of love and perseverance. Thank you for your courage and willingness to share.
Hello Rachel – I want to preserve her anonymity, because I said some things she wouldn’t have wanted the world to know. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
Nina,
That makes sense–I can understand now that I think about it. I am so grateful you shared your story. Love (divine Love) really does rule the world and each one of Her/His ideas. Much love to you and your family.
Rachel
Wow! Wow! Wow! An amazing testimony. From one of the most amazing people I know. Thank you Nina.
I’ll always remember when she called to ask for my land for a community center on the island. In the past, I never even took such calls because it was a gift from my father to me. But she had reached my brother and when he called me, he said you need to take this call. So I did. And of course, there was no saying “no” to a woman with such a good heart and pure motives, even over the phone from a hundred miles away.
Thank you for keeping her memory and inspiration alive in the way you live and honor her.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts, and for truly hearing this story!
One comment above says that this kind of writing isn’t expected on this site. But isn’t God revealed in infinite ways, like the varied fruit on the Tree of Life?
Time4Thinkers and Radical Acts need your stories too, in your own language. “When the heart speaks, however simple the words, its language is always acceptable to those who have hearts.”
What a lovely and well told story. There are people who leave evidence that they dwelled here on earth not through riches and great fame but through simple every day caring for others and community. This person’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her.
Did not expect to see what I read from you on this site…you are bold, brave and a shining light. Thanks for sharing.
Best thing I’ve read in a long time. Really makes me want to dig more deeply into Radical Acts. Thank you.
Nina, WOW! This was amazing. Thank you.
Sweet Nina!
Thank you so much for this authentic, real, powerful picture of what it is we’re all working through.
I especially loved how you tie it in to life AS YOU SEE IT NOW. That’s what matters most. This piece gives me strength to revisit some of my past experiences and examine them with a whole new lens.
Blessings, dear one.
Nina, this is brilliantly expressed. I am so grateful that you shared it and for the witness of Radical Acts. The power of this woman’s life has illuminated and impassioned many I would presume.
Part of my take on the piece is that this woman’s life, reflecting Matt 25: 31-46, sings the definition of church that Mary Baker Eddy offers in her seminal work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures in rousing the dormancy of the status quo and elevating the race. I love that there is nothing institutional or conventional in Eddy’s designation that “whatever” does this rousing and elevating is church alive, which is to say church in action. If church, of any brand, were about this kind of witness then people would miss it in the community if the church were to close…and, even more likely, people would be drawn to such a church in a way that would not let it close.
I Loved This!! Is that you, Nina? The one who is Jewish and flinches a bit at all the use of the word “Christ” and “Christian” in the religion of Christian Science? The one who wants everyone to be included in the Divine Science that Mrs. Eddy discovered and that Jesus used for his Healing Works? This account was just Beautiful and portrayed so well the universal Love that Jesus brought to All of Us! Whether we call it Christ, Truth or Love – it is the essence that heals and guides and guards and loves all of us. Oh, to feel this Gentle Presence all around us all the time! Thank You! XOXO