Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Sir Toyin and Professor Emegwali (Sister Gloria), who prompted several of us to make "almighty dollar" donations to Sister La Vonda, after which she communicated privately with some of us. I feel liberated that, as Jesus asked us to do, I loved a fellow human being!
I will forever be grateful to Professor Emeagwali, who "threw the first stone" by suggesting that she was ready to make a donation, and it became wise to give between $50 and $100. It was not even how much we gave individually, but just knowing that a sister was in need, and we helped.
Who knows: Sister La Vonda may be Heaven's Gatekeeper-in-Chief, and she will let us in, no matter our "heinous" sins! I know she is in heaven because she has signaled in her last Testament below that there is no more suffering! However, we are suffering now because, like an old song, "Tears are on my pillow" right now! Just knowing that -- like Shelley's "Death the Leveller" poem -- death has placed its icy hands on her brings out tons of tears, just as I am writing right now; I even mis-spelled "is" because I could not see clearly!!
Rest in perfect peace, Sister La Vonda, until we meet again! Sir Toyin, many thanks for sending our "almighty dollar" donations to her promptly. Yvette and I feel liberated and happy to do more in future for another sister or brother in financial distress or need with no hesittaion!
A.B. Assensoh, Eugene, Oregon
________________________________________
From: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com [usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Emeagwali, Gloria (History) [emeagwali@mail.ccsu.edu]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 8:23 AM
To: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...
So sad. May her soul rest in peace.
Professor Gloria Emeagwali
Prof. of History & African Studies
________________________________
From: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com [usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Michael Afolayan [mafolayan@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 6:43 PM
To: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...
Very true, our sister and friend, LaVonda, is gone. I just finished talking to the husband. She passed away at 4 am - now I know why I was sleepless all night. I (or my wife) will be at the funeral on Tuesday and will be sure to let her folks know her place in the hearts of members of this community. Her soul is resting in peace!
Michael O. Afolayan
On Friday, January 24, 2014 4:46 PM, "blargeo.dekeye@gmail.com" <blargeo.dekeye@gmail.com> wrote:
I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.
She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.
The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.
Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
________________________________
From: Ikhide <xokigbo@yahoo.com>
Sender: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800 (PST)
To: Toyin Falola<USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com>
ReplyTo: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...
Dear Family & Friends,
If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...
Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.
I love you all forever,
La Vonda R. Staples
- Ikhide
Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide<http://www.facebook.com/ikhide>
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
I will forever be grateful to Professor Emeagwali, who "threw the first stone" by suggesting that she was ready to make a donation, and it became wise to give between $50 and $100. It was not even how much we gave individually, but just knowing that a sister was in need, and we helped.
Who knows: Sister La Vonda may be Heaven's Gatekeeper-in-Chief, and she will let us in, no matter our "heinous" sins! I know she is in heaven because she has signaled in her last Testament below that there is no more suffering! However, we are suffering now because, like an old song, "Tears are on my pillow" right now! Just knowing that -- like Shelley's "Death the Leveller" poem -- death has placed its icy hands on her brings out tons of tears, just as I am writing right now; I even mis-spelled "is" because I could not see clearly!!
Rest in perfect peace, Sister La Vonda, until we meet again! Sir Toyin, many thanks for sending our "almighty dollar" donations to her promptly. Yvette and I feel liberated and happy to do more in future for another sister or brother in financial distress or need with no hesittaion!
A.B. Assensoh, Eugene, Oregon
________________________________________
From: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com [usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Emeagwali, Gloria (History) [emeagwali@mail.ccsu.edu]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 8:23 AM
To: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...
So sad. May her soul rest in peace.
Professor Gloria Emeagwali
Prof. of History & African Studies
________________________________
From: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com [usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Michael Afolayan [mafolayan@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 6:43 PM
To: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...
Very true, our sister and friend, LaVonda, is gone. I just finished talking to the husband. She passed away at 4 am - now I know why I was sleepless all night. I (or my wife) will be at the funeral on Tuesday and will be sure to let her folks know her place in the hearts of members of this community. Her soul is resting in peace!
Michael O. Afolayan
On Friday, January 24, 2014 4:46 PM, "blargeo.dekeye@gmail.com" <blargeo.dekeye@gmail.com> wrote:
I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.
She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.
The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.
Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
________________________________
From: Ikhide <xokigbo@yahoo.com>
Sender: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800 (PST)
To: Toyin Falola<USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com>
ReplyTo: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...
Dear Family & Friends,
If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...
Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.
I love you all forever,
La Vonda R. Staples
- Ikhide
Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide<http://www.facebook.com/ikhide>
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue-
unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.