Catherine With an E

I didn’t know if it was spelled “Catherine” with an E or “Cathrine” without an E. I don’t remember ever second guessing the spelling of my late grandmother's name before this night. So, I did what any intelligent millennial granddaughter would do and I googled it. I was confident that some of the groundbreaking work she did with youth in Miami, FL would have popped up, or something from her matriculation through the University of Alabama during the heat of the Jim Crow era. Much to my surprise, it was her death notice on legacy.com. It shared that she passed away on June 18, 2003 and where her memorial services would be held.

My cousin Kennedy and I on the floor. My Brother Benjamin and Uncle Kenny playing video games. Granny Catherine on the far right hands side.

I only needed confirmation of whether not I was spelling my cousin, Kennedy Catherine’s, middle name correctly on her Mother’s Day card. Whether it was Catherine with an “E” or without an “E”, but there I was. Sobbing uncontrollably. Again. 17 years later. Missing her presence and love. Her bear sound effects. Her passion to teach Ben and I how to read. Her fervent stories about civil rights and growing up as a black girl in Alabama. Watching Oprah with her in our play room in the 90’s, eating corn, snacking on orange slices. The love she had for granddad. Her arguments with granddad never worried me, though. It was like a piece of furniture we learned not to stub our toes on.

Granny with my brother Benjamin, my mom and I celebrating Benjamin’s birthday.

Her influence over our community, my family, my brother and I are timeless. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, love and admiration for her. I often wonder what life would be like had she lived a few more years to see me graduate from highschool or enter Spelman as a young woman. I know that she prayed for it. 

Ben, Granny, and I the day after Christmas.

Here I am, a week away from transitioning into 32 years on earth. Starting off my celebration of this Mother's Day by expressing gratitude to my granny, among other Titans of love in my life. Making sure that when her name is googled or searched on any platform, her story is told thoroughly and correctly.  Catherine Green Dinkins was a legend. A Queen. A fighter. A lover of Snickers. And yes there is an “E” in Catherine.

Happy Mothers Day,

Jazmon (that’s how she pronounced my name lol!!!)