August 10, 2023
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THE GIANT WE CALLED DAD AND THE LEGACY HE LEFT BEHIND

Post by Cece Moise

George Moise was Born in Jean-Rabel, Haiti. He was born on September 14,1935 to Marina Dorsainvil Moise and Jean-Baptise Moise. My dad had a challenging upbringing. He was introduced to poverty early in life after losing both of his parents and an older brother at the tender age of 7. Despite the obstacles he faced, it seems he was determined and resourceful. Even when his older brother Dieuseul (RIP Ton Dieuseul) turned him over to his godmother in Baie-de-Henne. The people entrusted to his care did not send him to school, so in Dad’s fashion, he managed to find a way to educate himself by secretly enrolling in night school.

Unfortunately, his foster parents did not support his educational goals and kicked him out when they found out. This must have been a tough situation for him, but he didn’t give up and moved to Bombardopolis, where he found success in the wood charcoal business. There, he met my beautiful mom, Sylvana Noël, and together, they built a beautiful family. No, it was not perfect, but stop being nosey. Stay focus.

Although, together my parents were doing better financially, better was not what they wanted for their children. God entrusted them with goals and dreams that they couldn’t even understand themselves. But let’s be honest though, how many of us have been there?

It is completely normal to experience doubt and uncertainty, even when we want to trust in God’s plan wholeheartedly. So many of us, both in biblical times and today, have faced challenging situations that test our faith. Doubt can be a natural part of the human experience, and it doesn’t make someone any less faithful or less connected to their beliefs.

In the Bible, there are indeed numerous stories of women and men who questioned God’s plan but ultimately found strength and faith in their journeys. Let’s take a walk back to memory land…

My Uncle Job faced unimaginable suffering and loss but ultimately found renewed trust and understanding in God’s wisdom and sovereignty.

My great Grandfather Moses doubted his abilities and questioned God’s plan when he was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Yet, through his journey, he discovered God’s strength working through him.

My cousin Gideon doubted his ability to be a leader and deliver Israel from oppression, but God assured him and demonstrated His power through miraculous signs.

What about my aunt Sarah? Sarah doubted God’s promise of having a child in her old age, but in due time, she gave birth to Isaac, fulfilling God’s promise.

Ain’t God good. Soooo Gooooooodddd o.

DAD, SIS, AND SOME OF THE GRAND-CHILDREN

These stories are just daily reminders that doubt can be a stepping stone to a deeper level of trust and faith in your walk with God. God often uses trials and challenges to draw us closer to Him and to strengthen our relationship with Him.

Listen, if you know me well enough, you know I’m not made for the struggling life. But I do know when we lean on His sovereignty and trust in His plan, even in the face of difficulty, we can find peace and faith like never before.

So, if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, it’s okay to acknowledge your doubts and fears. Remember that you are not alone in your struggles, and it’s a natural part of the human experience. Allow yourself to seek guidance, support, and strength through prayer, reading scriptures, and connecting with others who share your faith. Trust that, in time, God can help you find understanding and purpose amid adversity.

Sorry for the quick detour…it was needed to fully understand the role God play in the foundation that Dad had laid for his children.

DAD WITH HIS FAVES (OOPS…THOUGHT THAT WAS ANNA, LOL)

As most people in my parents’ surrounding were looking down on them because they did not have the house, the cars or were able to eat fancy white rice, poulet-en-sauce, and salad russe every Sunday while taking care of 12 children (between both parents), but they had dreams and goals for their children.

One beautiful sunny day, my parents made a decision that was both transformative and challenging for the entire family. My mother insisted that my dad or herself immigrate to the United States because she estimated that eventually, they would want to provide a life for their children beyond their wildest imagination, especially with the political turmoil Haïti was facing at that time. Honestly, my dad was unable to fully capture the vision that God had given to Mom because he did not want to leave his family. But, When God gives you the vision, it is truly your responsibility to pursue it to completion.

Although my dad did not want to leave Haiti, my mom insisted. She made it clear to him, it was either him or her that was going to get on that boat, the decision was up to him. Dad understood that raising my siblings alone was a challenge that he was not ready to face, so he made the bold move and left Haiti risking his life in a small boat migrating from Haiti to the United States in the hope of finding the treasure at the end of the rainbow. Making such a move requires courage and sacrifice, as it often involves leaving behind familiar surroundings, family, and friends in pursuit of a better life and opportunities.

Arriving in the United States after losing so many of his friends at sea, the treasure was nowhere to be seen. Dad was arrested and imprisoned in Puerto Rico before he eventually moved to Los Angeles. While in LA, Dad enrolled himself in adult school until he completed his General Education Diploma (GED). He learned French and Spanish and he was fluent in all four languages. Creole, French, English, and Spanish. He was a goal-getter.

My dad’s story is a testament to resilience and determination, overcoming adversity to create a better life for himself and his family. It’s inspiring to see how he managed to turn his life around and find success despite the challenges he faced early on. His experiences undoubtedly shaped him into the person he became and likely influenced the way he raised his children and the way he influenced his grandchildren

Dad worked all his career for the LAX Airport as a transportation Attendant and eventually became a supervisor. While working at LAX, he also ran a successful carpet cleaning business in the Los Angeles and Inglewood area. His dedication to his family’s well-being showcases his strong work ethic and selflessness. The fact that he prioritized his children’s education and wanted them to succeed in all their endeavors reflects his love and commitment as a father.

Dad eventually brought all 10 of his children to the United States, and no, not by boat. This man gave his children the opportunities to become doctors, politicians, business owners and so much more. I need to acknowledge and remember the struggles and sacrifices that my dad went through to provide a better future for us, his children and so many others. His story is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit in the face of hardship.

So, losing someone so cherished is never easy, but my dad’s legacy lives on through the values and lessons he instilled in all of us. We will continue to cherish the memories and the love we shared with him and continue to lean on each other for support as we mourn his loss a year after he transitioned. The impact he had on our lives will continue to resonate, and his memory will forever be treasured.

Although we long to have another chance to be with him, those feelings are a testament to the deep love and connection we shared with him.

While we can’t change the past or bring him back, we will continue to find ways to honor his memories and keep him close in our hearts. we will continue to celebrate his life through the stories and experiences we shared with him. Playing that special song that reminds us of him, and creating a space where my siblings and I can come together to remember and cherish the time we had with him.

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences we face in life. It’s natural to wish for just one more chance to be with them, to relive those precious moments, and to express all the emotions we may have left unsaid.

As a former therapist, I would say one of the greatest gifts of grief work is the freedom to remember your loved ones and what they were and weren’t. Grief work can be a profound journey that leads to personal growth and healing. By giving yourself and others the freedom to remember and explore the complexities of the relationships they had with the departed, by doing so you create space for healing and acceptance. Each passing year may bring new insights and perspectives, and this ongoing process allows for a deeper connection with the memories of those who have passed away.

It’s very important to embrace the full spectrum of emotions and memories, acknowledging the positive and not-so-positive aspects of the relationships, allows individuals to fully integrate the loss into their lives and find meaning in their experiences.

So, If you have lost someone you loved, it’s important to allow yourself to grieve and process the emotions that come with loss. You may find comfort in talking to others who knew them, sharing stories, and keeping traditions or activities that you used to enjoy with them.

Remember that they will always be a part of you and your family’s life through the memories you carry and the values they passed on. Grief is a complex and personal journey, and having these feelings and desires is okay. Remember that it’s important to allow yourself to feel and process the emotions that come with grief.

If you need support or someone to talk to during this time, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health therapist who can provide understanding and compassion. Grief is a natural process, and everyone experiences it differently, so allow yourself the time and space you need to heal.

May you find peace in your memories and the love you hold for your loved ones as you continue to navigate life without their physical presence.

PS: Remember that love never truly ends, and the bond you shared with your loved ones will always be a part of you. Cherish the memories, continue to love them in your heart, and find ways to honor their presence in your life as you move forward as I am trying to do one day at a time.