“ Amazing ”
After the Jammy Jam was over , we kept in touch . Sometimes by phone , other times through messages where she would simply say hello . Whenever I had book signings , she would wish me well or show up and surprise me . “ I got my copy , Brenda ,” she would say . “ Can ’ t wait to read it !” Yes , she read them all and shared them with readers everywhere she went ! Our bond became stronger , and not because of her ongoing support . It was because I had rarely met anyone who came across so genuine , kind , sweet and caring . At the snap of her finger , Tanishia could make a person feel so special and loved . She definitely had a magic touch , and from the book industry to many of the events she attended , many of us felt it .
Year after year , Tanishia showed up and showed out for me . She didn ’ t have to , but there was something about her “ favorite author ” that made her feel like she had to . “ I ’ m on my way !” she said in a message on November 5 , 2015 , right before coming to a movie premiere in St . Louis . It was the last time I actually saw her , and I remember how blessed I felt to have her there .
Shortly thereafter , she started to share her journey with me . I never cried while on the phone with her , because she was so strong and definitely fueled by the best .
Her faith was admirable , and I was so impressed by her , yet sad at the same time . We never know what God ’ s ultimate plans are for us , but I do know that Tanishia had a purpose to uplift and inspire as many people as she could . She did that and so much more ! I can honestly say that I ’ ve never met anyone like her before . I will miss our talks , her laughter and advice to keep on pushing , no matter what . She encouraged me to do just that , and some of the most powerful words I ever heard her say were this :
I had to live my life as a victor ! Instead of saying “ woe is me ” I said “ since it ’ s me , here ’ s what I ’ m going to do . I ’ m going to pray only what I want to happen . I ’ m going to believe that God will do it . I ’ m going to get up every day , put my clothes on , beat my face and do my hair . I ’ m going to look like I belong to something higher than I .
Even now , I take a deep breath and can only say . . . What a woman ! I do believe that people come into our lives for a reason , season , or a lifetime , and I thank God for making this connection . He must ’ ve thought a lot of me to put an amazing woman like Tanishia in my life . Plenty of times , she was my motivation . Her impact was huge , and I will never , ever forget my dear friend . So much love . Heaven certainly gained an angel .
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