The MC continued. “We got a lot of fun planned for y’all tonight. In the back of the hall the food is being catered and the tables are all set up. We’re gonna start the dance right after, but before we sit down together and eat, just like every year past, Mama wants to come up and say grace before we all gather for supper.”

And with that the MC turned to the stairs at the end of the stage and extended both arms out towards Mama. As she emerged from the shadow of the hall and entered the lights on the stage, a loud applause erupted, and to my utter amazement there stood Mama at the microphone holding Layla in her arms with Maggie standing by her side.

The guests spontaneously began singing “Happy Birthday” but Mama motioned to the crowd to let her speak and the song quickly receded into silence.

I was trapped in the crowd. I couldn’t move. All I could do was stand there and feel my heart as it pounded in my chest.