stub·born·ness/ˈstəbərnnəs/noun dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something.

My whole life I 've been told I was a "stubborn ass" and would never change. I often heard my grandmother refer to my grandfather with the same sentiment. I've always felt an unspoken connection to him; I used to chalk it up to sharing the same birthday.

My grandmother was a stylish, fierce, purposeful and kind sweet soul. She was the ying to his yang, his stubbornness matched by her patience and compassion. When she passed at 78, he tried to embody her, keeping her memory alive.

The tone used in "stubborn ass" was always negative, but after my grandfather passed at 88, it made me reflect on my life and his. Witnessing what he was able to accomplish, successfully provide for and raise 8 children, in rural Jamaica, with limited means and opportunities; you need to have an unyielding determination. You need the ability to drown out people's criticisms and questioning of your goals and beliefs. You have to be forceful and heroic in your work.

So yes he was a "stubborn ass" and we will always be in his debt for it. I am happy to take that baton and carry it through in his name.

7888 is a thank you note to my grandparents, who have taught me to never allow anyone to tell me who I am, what I can do and to remain always understanding and accepting of the "stubborn ass" in everyone.

Toast! to the people that mold us with unspoken action and entrench unyielding determination. To the "stubborn asses"

WE DO NOT YIELD!