A Message from Bret Douglas

-->Hey there, Ms. Viv 'Nim Fanatics! Long time, no contact.

Today's blog is a short one. Bret Douglas has a few words for us.


Hello, Everyone.

On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, I turned 55 years old, and it was the greatest feeling in the world, don’tcha know. I received a lot of birthday well-wishes from Susie and my kids, as well as from friends, church members, and co-workers, but admittedly, I felt a little sad because someone was missing. You see, I’ve been so acclimated to having my mom call me at 2:15 p.m. Minnesota time to wish me a happy birthday. This was her routine ever since I moved to Southern California, but as you know, she left on April 13, 2012. It’s been almost a month since my mom bid farewell, but I had a wonderful feeling around lunchtime at my job. 

I was talking to some of my co-workers, and at exactly 12:15 p.m., I got goosebumps. I could clearly hear my mom say, "Happy #55, Baby Boy." I simply smiled, looked up to Heaven, and said, "Thanks, Mom!" Amazingly enough, my co-workers were quick to tell me that my mom still found time to wish me a happy birthday, considering that she's now in Heaven.

       

Later on in the day, I received a call from my daughter Sarah; she informed me that her best friend Amy had given birth to a bouncing baby boy and named him David Arthur.

I tell you, I couldn't have had a better 55th birthday. Of all the birthday presents I received, none was more precious than hearing my mom's voice again, albeit in my heart.

Fond Memories from Syl’s Kids

Douglas Family Portrait 1977 (L-R):
Bob, Cattie, Papa Rog, Mama Syl, Sandy, and Bret

Happy Monday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

 

It’s been well over a week since we bid farewell to Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas. Her homegoing celebration took place in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, April 20, 2012. Aside from the family, we can confirm that Ms. Viv was there to pay her respects, as was Rev. Stanley D. Richardson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Culver City, California. The eulogy was given by Syl’s pastor, who spoke from the subject “Shine On, Sylvia!” The subject was inspired by Matthew 5:16.

In today’s blog, Sylvia’s four children—all grown up with families of their own—sat with us and spoke about their beloved mother.


ROBERT LOUIS DOUGLAS: I would just like to thank everyone for their love, support, encouragement, and prayers. You know, I’ll be 64 in about four months, and let me say—it’s still new to me. I am grateful that my mom is in Heaven, but selfishly, I miss her so much. I had actually talked to her the day before she transitioned, and she was in high spirits as usual. And believe it or not, I’m really gonna miss how Mom would side with my wife Tabatha and tease me, if for nothing but to drive me crazy. Mom, you’re one in a million—love you bunches.

CATHERINE SUZETTE DOUGLAS: The last conversation I had with my mom was literally three hours before The Lord called her home. It was a wonderful mother/daughter conversation in which, despite the fact that I’m 62 years old, she still volunteered her words of wisdom. That was Mom for ya—always giving her expertise. As a matter of fact, the last thing she said to me was, “Cattie, never forget to check to see if there’s water in the pool before you jump in headfirst.” Imagine my surprise when I found out that she had gone to Heaven. Even though it’s only been a week, I’m grateful that I got a chance to talk to her before she left. I love you, Mom.

SANDRA NICOLE DOUGLAS-QUINN: I will forever cherish April 11, 2012. I had just come home from work—I was tired and wanted to take a nap. As soon as I nodded off, the phone rang. I started not to answer it, but something in my spirit encouraged me to pick up the phone. What a surprise—it was my mom. I told her about the long, arduous day that I had had, and she said to me, “If you need me to kick ass and pray for ‘em, I’ll do it, don’tcha know.” She had me laughing so that I had forgotten about my day. Mom and I were on the phone for two hours, then she spoke to my husband David, and finally she said, “You take it from here—you’ve got this, don’tcha know.” Looking back, I am so grateful that I answered that phone call. Mom did what she was supposed to do, and once her job was completed, she got promoted to a much higher position. Thanks for the pep talk, Mom—I’ll see you in that great day.

 

BRET GEORGE DOUGLAS: If I may paraphrase Tupac, there are no words to express the love I had—and still have—for my mom. There’s no way that I could pay her back for everything she did for me, but I do appreciate everything that she did for me. My last conversation with Mom was on Monday, April 9, 2012. We were on the phone for about three hours, to the point where my wife Susie joined in on our conversation. After our makeshift conference call, Mom said to me, “Happy 55^th, Baby Boy.” I chuckled and told her that she had another month before I turned 55, and she said, “I know what I’m doing—I love you, don’tcha know.” Only after I got the word that she went to Heaven did I understand that she really did know what she was doing. All I’ve got to say is—Thank you, Mom, and I love you too, don’tcha know.

Thank You, Sista Syl! With Love, from Ms. Viv

Happy Friday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

It’s been officially one full week since we bid farewell to Sylvia E. Douglas. As you are all aware of, Ms. Syl passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012 at the age of 85 years old. Coincidentally, Ms. Syl's homegoing took place in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, April 20, 2012, and from what we have been told, it was truly a celebration. 

In today’s blog, everyone’s favorite senior citizen Vivian Jewel Jones has volunteered to share her reflections and condolences to the Douglas Family.


Hi, Y’all!

When I got the news that Syl had gone home to be with The Lord, my heart liked to have broke. Syl and I shared a common bond: Bret George Douglas. I remember when Bret and Susie moved next door to me in 1984, and Bret made mentioned that I reminded him of his mother. When I got the chance to meet Syl, I automatically knew who she was, just by Bret’s description of her. Likewise, Syl looked at me and said, “You can’t be anyone else but Ms. Vivian!” From that moment on, Syl and I referred to each other as “twin sisters.” As a matter of fact, I would call her Sista Syl, and she would call me Diva Jewel.

I also remember when Bret and Susie celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary. One of the song played during the reception was the Cha-Cha Slide. Everyone said that I could dance the youngins under the table, but when Syl got down on the dance floor, all that changed. There’s one part of the song where the DJ checks to see how low can you go, and Heaven help me if Syl didn’t get low—I’m talkin’ all the way to the floor. The funniest part was when she looked up at me and said, “Hey, Diva—help your fallen Sista!”

My heart definitely goes out to the entire Douglas Family—in particular, Roger. I will not sit here and pretend that I’m gonna miss Syl as much as her family, but I will miss her. There’s no way to turn off 67 years of marriage, but I want Roger to know that he shouldn’t fret none, because Syl is with The Lord now. Just remember that The Lord’s got this, and He ain’t gonna put no more on you than you can bear. I also want Bob, Cattie, Sandy, and Bret to know that they can always count on Ms. Viv for anything, be it a phone conversation, a prayer, or even a strawberry seven-up cake… LOL!

And Sista Syl, say hello to Clark for me. Love ya lots!

Until we meet again,

Vivian Jewel Jones, a.k.a. “Diva Jewel”

Pastor Rich's Reflections of Sylvia E. Douglas

Happy Thursday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

In today’s blog, we get to hear from the Rev. Stanley D. Richardson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Culver City, California. Pastor Rich has a vested interest in celebrating the life of the late Sylvia E. Douglas, mainly because one of the members of the flock happens to be Ms. Syl’s youngest son Bret.

With that said, here are Pastor Rich’s comments.

Greetings to one and all!

I want to first of all state for the record that I loved Mama Syl—that was my nickname for her whenever she visited from Minnesota. At the risk of using a cliché, Mama Syl was as sweet as apple pie. One smile from her, followed by a hug, and you knew that you were loved. To be honest, Mama Syl reminded me a lot of my mother; she was sweet but stern, she wasn’t phony, and she loved life.

When I first met Mama Syl, it was in early March 1987. She was all excited because her youngest grandchild Nikki (who was only four months old at the time) was about to be blessed. Miraculously, I had performed double duty—I gave a sermon and I performed the blessing of Little Miss Nikki. As is custom in church, once service had ended, everyone wanted to socialize with me. Almost like the woman in Luke 8:43-48, Mama Syl pushed her way through the crowd and gave me a hug. When I turned to face her, she looked at me with that beautiful motherly smile and said, “I just want to thank you for lettin’ God use you. I see why my son Bret speaks so fondly of you.”

I smiled and hugged her back, and said, “Well, God bless your heart.”

Whenever Mama Syl was in town, I had to acknowledge her, as though she was a celebrity. She would humbly stand up and wave, then blow me a kiss—this was her routine every time she came to visit.

Sometime in July 2011, I was informed that Mama Syl had had a visit to the hospital, but was released the same day and was sent home. I called her to see how she was doing, and she lit up like a Christmas tree. If you all could’ve heard the joy in her voice… one of the things she said was: “I’m gonna tell all my friends that my baby boy’s pastor all the way in California had called to check on little ol’ me!”

Now, Heaven has another angel in the form of Mrs. Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas. You’re never fully prepared to see your loved ones off when they go to Glory, but Paul tells us not to be ignorant concerning those who are asleep. My thoughts and prayers to Roger, her husband of 67 years. My prayers also to her children—Bret, Sandy, Cattie, and Bob. We share in your loss, but we also rejoice in knowing that Mama Syl knew The Lord, and in turn, The Lord knew Mama Syl.

Stay strong Douglas Family, and God Bless.

Warmest Regards,

Rev. Stanley D. Richardson,
Pastor, First Baptist Church of Culver City, CA

Tomorrow’s Blog: Thank You, Syl—With Love, from Ms. Viv

A Message from Roger W. Douglas

Happy Wednesday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

The original plan for today’s blog was to hear from Robert, Catherine, Sandra, and Bret, the children of the late Sylvia E. Douglas. However, they have been pretty busy with homegoing arrangements and have requested to comment at a later date. However, we have a ram in the bush—in the form Roger William Douglas.

I remember it like it was yesterday—it was on the campus of the University of Minnesota. I was on my way to class, and I saw Syl. This was during a time where a gentleman approached a lady with respect and referred to her as “Miss.” Admittedly, I was nervous to even so much as smile at Syl, nevertheless I took a chance. I was just about to walk up to her, and I’ll be damned—I walked right into a tree. Nothing was broken but my pride, and I was certain that Syl would add more salt to the wound, until…

“Hi, I’m Sylvia, and I hope you weren’t expectin’ that tree to move out of your way.”

Not surprisingly, Syl laughed at me, but in doing so, she helped me to my feet. Using my quick thinking, I told her that I was writing a term paper on how men do foolish things when they are attracted to women. From that conversation sparked a relationship, which turned into 67 years of marriage, and ultimately gave us four children.

There is no way that I can turn off 67 years of marriage, and there are absolutely no words to express how much I will miss Syl. However, I do know that I will see her again someday soon. Until then, I just have to hold to God’s Unchanging Hand. I will forever hold dear to my heart the day of April 13, 2012. On that fateful day, she basically asked me if it was okay for her to go home, and for lack of a better term, I gave her my permission. I’d like to think that if I had really known what she was asking me, I would’ve declined her request… then again, Syl would’ve gone home anyway. Oh, well—at least I got a chance to kiss her before she left for Glory.

Syl, I love you and I miss you terribly, but I know that we will meet again someday soon. Until that day comes, have fun up there, Darling.

Tomorrow’s Blog: Pastor Rich's Reflections of Sylvia E. Douglas

Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas, 1927-2012

Happy Tuesday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

Yesterday evening, I posted the bittersweet news regarding the sudden passing of our beloved sister and friend, Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas. I broke the news on Facebook this past Friday, and in turn, I actually received well-wishes and condolences from my fans. Thanks a bunch, y’all—I really appreciate it.

In today’s blog, we have Sylvia’s biography. I hope you all enjoy it.

Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas was born February 15, 1927 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the only child to Gary and Annette McKenzie, both of whom preceded her in death. Affectionately known as “Syl,” she was a genuine people person, and easily made friends everywhere she went, regardless if they were child or adult.

Syl also had an unusually strong rapport with school—she absolutely loved it! From the time she was a child, Syl would line up her dolls and stuffed animals in three rows, and proceed to teach them. She was so much in love with the whole aspect of learning and education that she made it a personal goal to be a teacher, and the fact that her father was a teacher was the perfect added incentive. After graduating from Twin Cities High School, she attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Child Development. In addition to getting a college education, Syl met, fell in love with, and ultimately married fellow classmate Roger William Douglas; the two were wed in 1945. It should also be important to point out that Syl was the first in her family to be class valedictorian in elementary, high school, and college.

After earning her teaching credentials in 1951, Syl accepted a position as a Third Grade teacher at Gopher State Elementary School, where she worked for 40 years. Syl treated her Third Graders as though they were her children, a feat that came naturally to her, considering that she and Roger raised four children.

Notwithstanding her love for teaching, Syl had a strong relationship with God, seconded by a zest for life. If she wasn’t teaching the Women’s Class in Sunday School, she was directing the Mighty Oak Mass Choir. She would often lead some of the songs; her favorite song was “Prayer Will Fix It Everytime.” Syl was also a big kid at heart; she loved watching cartoons (particularly Bugs Bunny), and playing Scrabble… and it was well documented that she was extremely aggressive whenever she played Monopoly. She also loved to travel, boogie on the dance floor, and spend time with her family. She even stated that her greatest claim to fame was having witnessed at least one of her grandchildren get married, and she was looking forward to being a great-grandmother.

On April 13, 2012, Syl left the troubles of this crazy ol’ world, and woke up to eternal life. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted husband of 67 years, Roger; two sons, Robert Louis and Bret George; two daughters, Catherine Suzette and Sandra Nicole (Quinn); two daughters-in-law, Tabatha Diane and Susan Ariel; one son-in-law, David Andrew Quinn; nine grandchildren, and a host of adopted nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Tomorrow’s Blog: A Message from the family of Sylvia E. Douglas

Celebrating Sylvia E. Douglas

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

Over the weekend, the Ms. Viv ‘Nim family bid a bittersweet farewell to a lovable soul, as Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas, a devoted wife, loving mother, and a naturally charming lady, passed away at the age of 85 years old in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday, April 13, 2012.

“We had just come back home after our afternoon walk in the park,” recalls Roger Douglas, who was Sylvia’s husband of 67 years. “As soon as we walked in the door, Syl told me that she felt tired, and naturally I told her to rest. She said to me, ‘Are you sure?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I’m sure.’ And then, from out of the blue, she gave me a kiss and said, ‘I love you.’”

Roger went on to say that Sylvia went to their bedroom to take a nap, and never woke up. Only after realizing that his loving wife passed away did Roger realize what had actually transpired.

“Actually, she did wake up, but in Glory,” Roger said with a smile. “She was asking me if it was okay for her to go to Heaven, and I basically said yes. My one saving grace is that I know she’s in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. And to think that my last memory of her was our last kiss, and she told me that she loved me. I’m even happier that I reciprocated that same love to her before she left.”

Homegoing services for Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas are scheduled for Friday, April 20, 2012. Details will be forthcoming all this week.

Tomorrow's Blog: Sylvia E. Douglas, 1927-2012

My First Official Review!

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

I am happy to report that I received my first review and critique of my latest book, Life, Love, and Strawberry Seven-Up Cake. The critique came from one of my church members, who also happens to be on of my fans.

This past Sunday, March 18, 2012, immediately following church service, the fan walked up to me and said that he was blessed by Ms. Viv’s testimony. He admitted that while he wasn’t much of a reader, he couldn’t put the book down after reading Chapter One.

“Ms. Viv truly knows where her help comes from,” said my fellow church member. “She carried The Lord with her everywhere she went, and those whom she came in contact with were a witness to her light shining.”

After hearing my first review, I am convinced that my mission statement was met. My mission statement was to remind my readers of yesteryear. Ms. Viv represents that sweet, little old lady in the neighborhood who was adored by both children and adults. Whatever you needed, she gave from her heart, and if she didn’t have it, then she would do all she could to help you get your need met. She was a strong, Christian woman who not only took care of the children, but she knew relatively everything that went down in the neighborhood. She was also the type of woman who never flaunted her Christianity, yet everyone knew that she was a “certified, true-blue Christian.”

Words cannot express how excited I am over my first review. I am grateful to The Lord that Ms. Viv’s testimony reached one person, and I have total confidence that her story will reach many others.

By the way: My first official Ms. Viv book signing will take place sometime in May 2012. Stay tuned, as more details will follow.

Good News from Ms. Viv's Family

Happy Thursday, Ms. Viv 'Nim Fanatics!

Today's blog is short, sweet, and to the point: In approximately three months, Natasha Renee Stewart is graduating from Charlie LaBon High School on Friday, June 22, 2012.

Who is Natasha Renee Stewart, you ask? Well, Miss Natasha is the only child of Benjamin & Danielle Stewart, and the youngest grandchild of Vivian Jewel Jones. You can just imagine how excited Ms. Viv is, and who could blame her? After all, this is the last grandchild to not only graduate high school, but also attend college.

Miss Natasha plans on furthering her education and was accepted at three colleges: Fisk University, Clark Atlanta, and Rust College. Of the three, Natasha has decided to follow in her "Gramma Jewel's" footsteps and get the Bearcat Experience, where she plans on obtaining her B.A. degree in Business Administration.

Congratulations, Natasha! You go, Girl!

Ode To Whitney Houston

Happy Monday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

Today, I will break from the norm and pay tribute to one of the most talented singers of my day. She was no ordinary lady, but she was every woman. No, her name was not Susan—her name was Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

I’m still at a loss for words behind Whitney’s sudden passing, but I will say this: I have nothing but the utmost respect for LL Cool J. He showed true class when he opened up the Grammys with a prayer.  I appreicate LL for being bold enough to thank The Lord for blessing us with Whitney.

When the news of Whitney’s passing broke, it seemed apropos to ask “Why Does It Hurt So Bad?” After all, we didn’t know her personally, but we all welcomed her into our lives in some way, shape, form, or fashion. So now we ask the question: Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Well, Whitney gave us the answer in a song from The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack when she said: “Long as I live and troubles rise, I will hasten to His throne.”

No matter what Whitney sang, every man, woman, and child felt so emotional and felt the need to dance with somebody. And I can testify that it seemed like she was singing to me when she uttered those four words: I’m Your Baby Tonight!

It’s human nature to feel that Whitney left us too soon. We may even think to ourselves: It’s not right, but it’s okay, because overall, we must remind ourselves that The Lord Almighty sees all and knows all. He does not make mistakes, so hold on—help is on the way.

And to you, Whitney—thank you for the many songs that helped inspire my life. I will always love you.

A Message from the Future Mrs. Howard Douglas

Happy Thursday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

As promised, today’s blog features the recently engaged Jessica Dawn Torres. She’s here to talk about her upcoming wedding, as well as her true feelings about her future husband Howard Allen Douglas.

Hi, Everyone!

Let me start off by saying first of all: Oh my God—I’m getting married!

I’ll forever hold December 17, 2011 close to my heart. Howie and I were on our way to a Christmas party at his brother-in-law’s house… we had already heard the news that Howie’s sister Sarah was pregnant with twins, so it was more like a double celebration. Anyway, Howie picked me up and asked if I would help him with a quick run to the grocery store to get some apple cider. Upon leaving the grocery store, I noticed that Howie seemed a little flustered about something, and when I asked him if anything was wrong, he just shook his head and said that he was okay. And then, he dropped to one knee. I was under the assumption that he was about to fall, so I caught a hold of him quickly.

“Howie, are you okay?” I asked him.

“I’ll be alright,” he said nervously. “I just fell… in love… with you.”

Okay, I blushed a little when he said that, but I did not expect him to pull an engagement ring from out of his pocket and show it to me. One of the jewels in the ring was my birthstone. All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe, and tears just came cascading down my cheeks as Howie uttered those sweet seven words.

“Jessica Dawn Torres, will you marry me?”

I thought about the time that I was nine years old and I watched the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage ask Miss Elizabeth that question, and just like Miss Elizabeth, I looked at Howie and said, “Ooooooooh, Yeahhhhh!”

Howie placed that gorgeous engagement ring on my finger, and then he scooped me up and kissed me. For that very moment, we didn’t care that a mini-crowd had witnessed what had just come to pass. I clearly remember a big dude walking up to Howie and giving him a high-five. An elderly lady squeezed my arm and congratulated me.

Who would have ever thought that a meeting in a grocery store in April 2009 would result in a wedding coming up on Saturday, June 16, 2012? I certainly didn’t think so. I will say this: I am so excited to be Mrs. Howard Douglas… and it’s so apropos that my sister-in-law Sarah got married back in September. Oh, wow—I’m so excited!