Harriette Fields—In Memoriam




Me and Mrs. Fields on Sunday, December 30, 2012.

Hi, Everyone!

As promised, today’s blog post is dedicated to the memory of my beloved church member, Mrs. Harriette Fields. Her homegoing celebration is going on as we speak, and since I cannot be there in person, I have decided to write my own personal tribute to her. I hope y’all like today’s blog.

On Monday, February 4, 2013, The Lord took one good look at Mrs. Harriette Fields’ file and reviewed her 89 years on this earth. After a very in-depth evaluation, He saw in His infinite wisdom to reward Mrs. Fields with the greatest promotion out of this world—literally. No doubt that when she woke up and saw that she was in paradise, she shouted all over Heaven.

Mrs. Fields was one of the dearest, sweetest ladies that anyone could meet. She was always positive and upbeat, even when her husband passed away in 2003. Her warm smile and gentle heart was a very uncanny resemblance to that of my Gramma Jewel’s. I once told Mrs. Fields that she may have been a carbon copy of my Gramma Jewel, except she was a few inches taller, had fewer strands of grey in her hair, and she only wore glasses for reading. However, that sweet, inviting personality could not be missed. With a big smile, Mrs. Fields said: “Well, Tasha, your Gramma Jewel could very well be my long lost twin sister.”

Though I was very young when I met Mrs. Fields, I can tell you that she was a very loyal and faithful member of the St. Matthew Baptist Church family. There were three things about her that remained constant: She loved The Lord, she loved her family, and she loved life. There was also a running joke in our church family that Mrs. Fields’ résumé was almost as long as the book of Psalms on account of she was very active in our church. I remember when Pastor Clark told her that, to which she responded: “Correction, my love—my résumé will only be as long as Psalms 119.”

My last memory of Mrs. Fields was on Sunday, December 30, 2012. She gave me a monetary gift and some good advice on living life. Since her departure, I appreciate her advice more than I do the monetary present. I still remember the last thing she said to me: “Keep up the good work and stick it out to the very, very end. I love you, Dearie.”

Mrs. Fields, thanks for being part of my life, if only for a short while. I wanted to reserve a seat for you at my upcoming graduation in three years, but it looks like The Lord has provided you with the best seat in the house. Until we meet again, say hello to my Grampa Clark when you see him. I love you!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Mother Fields' Spirit Shines Through Ruby and Theo

Hi, Everyone!

Ruby and Theo are just as sweet as they could be.

 

I got out early in my Geometry & Trig class, only because my midterm is tomorrow. Well, when I entered my dorm room, I just lay out on my bed and looked up at the ceiling, then I got up and finished up the rest of my eulogy to Mrs. Fields.

 

Around noontime, I got up to go to the cafeteria, and as soon as I walked in, I noticed that Ruby and Theo were awaiting me, each holding three yellow roses. After I got my food, I sat over by them (as usual), and I was in for quite a surprise.

 

“Yo, Tash, we got you a little something to let you know that you have our deepest condolences,” Theo said. “We know that you can’t be home to celebrate the life of your beloved church member, but here is a card signed by me and Ruby. Oh, and here are six yellow roses—Ruby told me how much your mentor loved yellow roses.”

 

I tell y’all—I was moved to tears.

 

There are truly no words to express the gratitude that I have for Ruby and Theo. I mean, for them to go out of their way and do that for me… I am flattered. And I know that somewhere in Glory, Mrs. Fields is just grinnin’ away.

 

For the record, I know that Ruby was the mastermind behind the whole project. I just squeezed her hand. She simply squeezed back.

 

I recognize that Ruby, Theo, and Judy didn’t have to do what they did, but I really do appreciate it very much. And as an added bonus, the three of them are treating me to an afternoon in Memphis this Saturday. I know, I know—my birthday is on Sunday, but I can celebrate it early if I want to!

 

Until next time, y’all take care, and say a prayer that your girl gets a decent grade on tomorrow’s Geometry & Trig midterm.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Remembering Mrs. Fields

Hi, Everyone!

I’m still a little shocked behind the news of my beloved church member, Mrs. Harriette Fields. Forgive me for sounding selfish, but I kinda wish that The Lord would have waited just a little while longer before calling her home. She was one of the dearest, sweetest ladies that anyone could meet. She was always positive and upbeat, even when her husband passed away in 2003.

You know, I just realized that Mrs. Fields was darn near a carbon copy of my Gramma Jewel, with a couple of exceptions. For one thing, Mrs. Fields was a few inches taller, had fewer strands of grey in her hair, and she only wore glasses for reading. However, that sweet, inviting personality could not be missed.

I see that I have given a sneak preview of my eulogy to Mrs. Fields, but I want to be careful not to give too much of it away. I can tell you this, though: When you read it, you’ll know that I spent more than enough time with her while she was here.

And just in case you’re wondering, the photo of the yellow rose serves as a tribute to Mrs. Fields, seeing as how she loved yellow roses. When I write my eulogy on Saturday, I will be sure to include the picture that we had taken on Sunday, December 30, 2012—the last day that I got to see her.

I’ve actually been working on Mrs. Fields’ eulogy since Mom called and broke the news to me the other night. I know exactly what I want to say, but I’m just looking for the perfect introduction. Once I get it, my eulogy will be complete.

Well, I guess I had better close this blog and take a little breather before my Geometry & Trig class… and now that I think of it, I need to clear my mind anyway. I’ve got too many irons on the fire as it is—I’m finishing up the Valentine’s Day present for Ray, I’m studying for my upcoming finals, I’m writing this eulogy in memory of Mrs. Fields, and on top of that, my birthday is this weekend. So, yes—I do need to take a break.

Oh, before I forget: Mrs. Fields’ homegoing celebration will take place this Saturday, February 9, 2013 at my church. I would love to be there, if only for the weekend, so I can pay my respects, but due to various (and obvious) reasons, I cannot do that. I’ll just do the next best thing: In my Saturday blog, I will give my personal eulogy to the life and the times of a beautiful woman whom I will truly miss.

 

I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Peace Out!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Bittersweet News Back Home In L.A.

Hi, Everyone!

 

I’ve got some bittersweet news to report.

 

Last night, my mom called to tell me that Mrs. Harriette Fields, one of my church members back home in Cali, received the call from The Lord to come home. She was 89 years old.

 

Mrs. Fields was known as the “hardest working woman in the history of St. Matthew Baptist Church.” She was on the Mothers Board, she sang in the choir, she was a Sunday School teacher, she was on the hospitality committee… and I want to state for the record that Ruby is wrong as two left shoes! She just said, “Damn, Tasha—ya girl literally worked her way into Heaven.”

 

I know that Ruby’s just trying to cheer me up—and it worked! Lord knows that I was not intending to laugh at that joke, but then again, I kinda thought the same thing. Nevertheless, Mrs. Fields worked willingly and gladly, and she was one of the few who didn’t care about recognition, because she gave it all to God. Whenever someone at church would thank her for her help, Mrs. Fields would just smile and say: “That’s sweet of you, Dear, but don’t thank me—thank God.”

 

My last memory of Mrs. Fields was Sunday, December 30, 2012. Service had just ended and everyone was saying their farewells to me, but Mrs. Fields waited rather patiently, with a big smile on her face. When I finally got to speak to Mrs. Fields, she gave me a big hug and kiss, then she handed me a lavender envelope and said, “Now, Tasha, I wants ya to do me a favor: Keep up the good work and stick it out to the very, very end. I love you, Dearie.”

 

I told her that I loved her back, and then I took a picture with her.

I know that Mrs. Fields would not want me to cry over her—and I’m sorry for disappointing her—but unfortunately all I have are tears and sorrow. I know she’s in a much better place, but I never expected her to go to Heaven so soon. I am really gonna miss her beautiful smile every Sunday morning when I step foot into the church. I’ll always remember how she spoke with a British accent—just for me—and say, “Natasha, my dahlin!”  

I had better get going. Take care, y’all—and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha