In many cultures, purple signifies royalty, wisdom, bravery, religious faith and wealth. My sister was the embodiment of these things, and of course, purple was her favorite color. She was the oldest; she "ran shit," was active in church, and was rich in love and family--and wasn't shy to let you know she kept her 9mm at all times.
I met my sister Tanisha when we were around five years old. I didn't know what a step-sister was, and I didn't care. All that mattered was I had a sister!
We dressed alike, played with Barbies (at her insistence) and went on adventures. My dad lived near railroad tracks and a freeway overpass. GEN X fun was in full effect!
I went to my first concert with Nisha. We were adorable with our matching skirts and shirts. The skirts were pale pink paired with pink and white short-sleeved button-down shirts. That night we danced to Salt-N-Pepa and JJ Fad while our dad sat and watched the show. We always had fun with our daddy, whether teaching us to drive his 1976/1977 Monte Carlo or challenging us to a race. He was a dad girl.
Around 5th or 6th grade, we attended Billy Mitchell Boys and Girls Club in Little Rock, participating in cheerleading camp and more adventures that will remain secret.
Around six or seven, our little sister LaTia arrived, and we became three! I had two sisters!
Nisha and I tried to continue business as usual, but that was nearly impossible with a little one who insisted on being involved. The nerve, right? How did I become the middle child! We attempted to throw her away in the kitchen trash can but were unsuccessful. She was a little fighter. It was Nisha who brought the mini person into the fold. I was skeptical, but her big head was so cute! Still is.
As Nisha and I went onto middle school and high school, we grew apart but remained in touch. You know how it goes; school, boys and extracurricular activities. Jobs, husbands and babies quickly followed this.
In 2014, our dad passed away of cancer, and our world came crashing down. I remember Nisha's heartbroken cries at his bedside.
Being the glue and a little bossy, Nisha started a tradition of an annual girls' night. My sisters and I would attend a comedy show with friends, our cousin "Squirt." Our first show was Kevin Hart's What Now Comedy Show in 2016. I vaguely remember the show; I was tipsy. I believe we went to a show every year until 2020.
Excited to see the newly renovated Robinson Auditorium in downtown Little Rock, we went to the Festival of Laughs comedy show on March 8, 2020. COVID-19 was still a ghost, nothing tangible to us, but you could feel its presence like black clouds rolling in before a storm.
We laughed and had a great time! I didn't know that would be the last time I would hug my sister. COVID-19 washed over our state and took my sister on March 28, 2020. I remain in disbelief.
As suggested by a good friend, I painted the picture in her favorite color. I painted over the canvas three times until I let go and used a putty knife to create the finished product. The piece is 18x24, acrylic on canvas with a mix of purple and silver. I hope it's something she would like.
Love you, Nisha.
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