IT WAS Six Months ago, Saturday, December 7, 2024, when my world was shaken to its core. My heart was ripped apart. My strength was put to a test. My baby sister, Hilarietta "Darbo" Grimes Davis, was suddenly dead. Torn and tattered, my faith yet found rest in the Faith which I proclaim: CHRIST JESUS.
Today is Saturday, June 7, 2025. Exactly six (6) months to the day since Darbo died. I have cried unstoppable. I have mourned, but with hope. There have been many days where I completely shut down too drained to function properly. Some days the only prayer I could muster is "Lord have mercy, Jesus please help me."
The pain and grief and anguish felt like a weight of lead set atop my head. Yes, indeed, I am a woman of tremendous strength and courage. Yes, I know God. I am not easily disconfigured. I have been known to rise from the ashes of deep brokenness. I have walked away from significant losses, material and financial. I have stridden through betrayal and gross humiliation. Life has left me dumbfounded numerous times. I have strong-willed prayed my body from debilitating illness back to good health, albeit residual blemishes. I have a steel resolve to face life upheavals and put it back firmly in place. My walk with God is robust. I live by sheer grace of God with a faith that is marching straight into eternity, unshakable and immovable. I know GOD Almighty and I believe in Christ Jesus and the Heavenly Father's will. My being is shaped, moved, taught, and conditioned by the Holy Spirit. I make my boast in Jesus The Christ. Hallelujah! I say Amen.
BUT . . . Oh! BUT . . .
Nothing, absolutely nothing prepared me for this. Darbo's shocking, sudden, unnecessary, unexpected, untimely death. Not to mention, the manner in which it occurred. Total wickedness and unnecessary evil.
You see. My baby sister, Hilarietta "Darbo" was to me a biological child. So, minus the umbilical, which is my mother's boast, I felt it deeply. I still feel every inch of it. Absolutely, nothing prepared me for the death of Hilarietta Wilhemina DarboMaway "Darbo" Grimes Davis. Some things God doesn't show you beforehand and the LORD alone knows best.
Nothing prepared me. But EVERYTHING I know of Christ Jesus and the Almighty Heavenly Father God have prepared me to continue. My faith long found a resting place in HIM and, thus, I am equipped to live and let go, in time, and allow God. God's mercies and boundless love will always help my siblings, my mother, Darbo's seed, and our entire family to continue on.
My Heavenly Father through my blessed Redeemer will heal, balm, restore, satisfy, and deliver me. I am a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today. Tomorrow. Yesterday. Forever. Until my time folds. Unapologetically sold out to Christ is my story.
Darbo my dearest. Today is six months since you entered the portals outside human existence. You are with Jesus in the presence where God dwells. The realm of Eternity! Hallelujah! The people who murdered you know they are known. I choose to leave all of that for God to handle; His time, His way. Enjoy everlasting life! I know it is blissful up there.
My darling Woodie! Sister Diya is officially taking off the "blackness of grief" hugging her heart. God's pure white light of solace and peace replaces my period of deep mourning. You know my life is DO IT FOR CHRIST and as such I must go forth doing just that. Ministry for Christ sake.
I love you so much! We miss you. You know how much we all adored you. Serenade, dear baby sister. Serenade up there. With JESUS.
~Sister Diya
(Servant Hortense Duarma Grimes)