I would like to take this opportunity to wish a happy birthday to a beautiful, powerful woman, who has played a very important role in my life; one who I consider an inspiration, if not my role model; one who I called my favorite American philosopher and quoted in my chapel talk at Asheville School; one whose name I adopted as my own during my Junior year of high school, changing my Facebook name to “Lucy SashaFierce H*bb,” writing it on my exams, and even being called “Sasha” by my teachers. Joyeux anniversaire, Beyoncé!
Just kidding, Beyoncé’s birthday was yesterday, obviously. I would, however, like to wish a happy birthday to my wonderful grandmother–can anyone say GILF (Grandma I’d like to….)–Dr. Frankie Hagan, aka Gigi.
In addition, I would like to share some of the wisdom Gigi has imparted over the years.
On Beauty…
Gigi: “You’re so pretty.”
Me (at age 5): “But what matters is that you’re pretty on the inside.”
Gigi: “That’s just what the ugly girls say.”
On Rules…
Me: “It says no parking.”
Gigi: “They don’t mean us.”
On Domestic Violence…
Me: “I hit Greyson once.”
Gigi: “I think you did the right thing.”
Me: “But he didn’t do anything.”
Gigi: “I still think you did the right thing.”
On School…
Me: “Everyone in my class is really smart.”
Gigi: “Well I bet you’re the cutest one!”
Happy birthday, Gigi! I can only hope I look as good as you at 72 56 😉
**PS Happy 20th birthday to my bestie, Sarah Stock, and happy sweet 16 to my sista, Eliza Taylor!**
