This picture reminds me of my mother, Eloise. That little hula hoopin' mama from PCEA Muniu had never even seen a hula hoop before I brought some to the school earlier this year. None of the kids had. But just like with most kids, it didn't take her long to figure out how to use it.

To become an expert hula hoop-er, you have to know how to stand your ground. You have to square your shoulders even as your hips are pivoting like a ball in a greased socket joint. If you wanna earn serious props, you have to keep that hoop swirling even when your hips get a little sore and you might be getting a little dizzy, and you might just wanna give up. To win, you gotta keep going. You don't ask how or why, you just do. Just like Eloise did.

Oh, and this picture also reminds me of my sister Julie, the Master Hoopster, able to keep multiple rings swirling at any given time. She certainly stood her ground. She was unparalleled in her ability to stare down life, square her shoulders, ball up her fists and propel herself forward.

Now, you may wonder what's got me contemplating the foremothers. Well, I was looking at some pictures of me that were taken while I was at PCEA Muniu last Friday, and I couldn't believe how much I looked like my mother in them! Gone are the malnourished lines from my Northern Uganda days. Oh, I'm not morbidly obese or anything, but I've also concluded I'll never again in life reach the Size 4 I attained in Gulu. Nowadays, Baby got back, front and sides to boot. But more than my body, I was totally focused on my face in those pictures. I have never, EVER seen Eloise so clearly and sharply before! It's kind of scary-yet-comforting at the same time.

Also, this is about the time of year 2 years ago that I learned Julie was beginning her last journey. Of course, next month will bring another solemn anniversary. I'm hoping maybe 10 years from now I won't be as pensive during September and October. For the time being, the memories come unbidden.

But like I said, this picture helps me sort of consolidate everything that's going on in the old noodle right now. The little girl who will always exist in my mind's eye. The strength and flexibility I inherited from Eloise and Julie. The focused, take no prisoners, shoulders squared stance. The determination to succeed.

Looking at this picture, I realize that no matter what storms may come, I will stand my ground. And I won't back down.