Jonetta Whitten-Stephens
Mama's Pick gives us a look into a family torn apart by drugs
and misunderstandings. The story is told through the eyes of the
middle daughter Andrea, who longs for her mother's love.
Andrea as well as older sister Ellen feel their mother has always
favored their younger sister Trinia.
Trinia's drug use has affected them all, especially their mother
Sarah. Andrea and Ellen want to do all they can to help, without
losing or giving up their individual lives. Whatever they both do
never seems to be the right thing in their mother's eyes, yet
Trinia can do no wrong in Sarah's eyes.
Andrea wonders will it ever end? And will her mother finally
show her the love she craves?
Jonetta Whitten-Stephens is a native Californian, born and raised
in Fresno, California. Jonetta has been writing since childhood
and was first published in 1980 in the Fresno Bee newspaper.
She also has lived in San Jose, California and Belleville, IL.
Jonetta currently resides in Southern California and is at work on
her second book, Workin' It.
Mama looked so worn out, much older than her fifty-five years.
She had spent most of the day sitting in court waiting on the
outcome of Trinia's hearing. This time Trinia herself had
actually shown up. Each time before, she had failed to make an
appearance. Mama would try to make excuses for her absence to
the judge, but she wasn't buying it. Today's hearing was a must
show or else for my little sister. Mama had pleaded, begged and
prayed all night. Once again trying to get through to Trinia.
There were time when we all thought Trinia was finally going to
get herself together. She would cry and apologize, promising to
clean her act up this time. This had happened every three to six
months over the last five years. It was all a scam, whenever
Trinia needed more drug money. We all except Mama finally
came to realize this. No more giving Trinia money to buy
clothes, make-up or to enroll in a program. Each time she was
going to get into this program or that program.
"Hey sis, why don't you front me a little money so I can get
myself together. There's this drug program that will help me find
a job, once I'm clean. You know I'm really gonna do it this
time."
I eventually lost count of how many times Trinia ran these same
tired lines to me. The first few times I did front her the money,
just as Ellen and Mama had. Each time we said this is it. No
more. Well, Ellen struck to her word as I did, after the third time.
We never saw anything positive that Trinia had done with our
money. She would collect our money and disappear for a few
months. Supposedly, Trinia was in a drug program that didn't
allow visitors or personal phone calls. Trinia actually was
hangin' out at a crack house that had wall-to-wall crackheads.
"How did the hearing go Mama?"
"It went alright. Your sister is going to get into a program and
get herself on track."
"Mama, how many times have you heard this?"
"I know, but I really believe she is going to do it this time. The
judge said someone would be assigned to make sure Trinia gets
there."
"Where is she anyway?"
"I think she went by Val's place."
"You think. Mama didn't she leave the courthouse with you after
the hearing?"
"Well actually, she ran off right after – the judge said she'll be
locked up if she doesn't comply this time."
"Good."
"What do you mean good? My girl doesn't need to be caged up
like some zoo animal."
"Mama that will probably be the only way she'll clean up her
act."
"My girl don't need to be locked up. She just needs to know that
her family loves her."
"Mama we do love her. But your way of loving Trinia has
always meant giving into her every whim."
"What are you saying?"
"Nothin' mama."
"No, go ahead and say it. You think this is all my fault. Don't
you?"
"No mama, I don't think that."
"Yes you do. You and Ellen have always been jealous of how
close Trinia and I are. You're probably saying all this just to hurt
me."
"Saying all what. Mama I'm not saying anything."
"I know what you're thinking. Remember, I am your mama."
"Mama please."
"No, go ahead Andrea – speak your mind. You're the open-
minded, uninhibited one. Remember."
