An Only Slightly Fictionalized Memory

Afterthoughts

Two days after I recognized my already always listening about Black people and money, it occurred to me that my filters are not all there is. How much of me and money is luck?

• I was born gifted – luck. I studied hard – me.
• Loving parenting and guidance – luck. Trust and obedience – me.
• Historical realities and timing – luck. Courage to venture into unknown – me.
• Shit happens – bad luck. Motivation to overcome adversity – me.
• Shit happens – luck. Planning and dogged tenacity to execute plans – me.
• Opportunities – luck. Patience – me.
• Opportunities – luck. Judgment – me.
• Opportunities – luck. Gratitude – me.

The money opportunities that I have taken were unpredictable for a skinny little dark-skinned immigrant girl growing up in Spanish Harlem when I did. There were no role models in my world and no reason why I should even dream the world that I never knew existed.

Another day, another layer. And the beat goes on.