Of course we all remember the drama that hit the Internet (about 3 years ago) that caught everybody by surprise when the Mashonda, Swizz Beats, and Alicia Keys wrangle and love triangle stormed across social media, giving bloggers much’a’ write about a lot of somethings considering Mashonda’s open letters and being so open about it all [as expected seeing as though she-at that the time-was the “victim” according to her side of the story, Twitter posts, and open letters].
Eventually life moved on, babies were conceived, and a new life for Mashonda was not too far either.
It’s amazing what new prospects and possibilities can do for reconsideration and changing the focus on matters that at one time-seemed like the end of the world for you. About two weeks before the start of the reality show Mashonda changed her tune (by not exactly rescinding the previous open letters), but by redirecting her thoughts about the situation and sending these words out to the world:
“As I reflect on my life, I realize how truly blessed I am. Not only am I the proud mother of my 4-year son Kasseem, I also now have a beautiful blended family to share in his love, development and overall health as a young man.
As we grow and mature as women, even through break-ups and sometimes divorce, we realize that none of these things compare to the love we have for our children. As a mother, Kasseem’s happiness is the single most important thing in my life. It took some time, but I now realize that even my former husband and his new wife, are my partners in this wonderful journey.
When the television show debuts in less than two weeks, you will witness a time in our lives when emotions were extremely high. It is based on where we were emotionally at that time.
Since then, we have grown and matured for the sake of our children, but more importantly, because it is the right thing to do.
In life, you never know how you will react to certain challenges. A person’s true character however, we’ve all learned, is not based on what happens to us in life, but how we respond.
Swizz is an amazing father. When I look into Kasseem’s eyes, I see the joy in his heart by having such a wonderful, blended family that loves him so much. As this blended family of ours continues to grow, I look forward to the months and years ahead raising our children together as one.
The future is bright and all of our experiences as a family have gotten us to this wonderful point in our lives.
“I sustain myself with the love of family.” — Maya Angelou
Onward and upward,
Mashonda
Fast forward.
Life has still been onward and upward for the blended family and Mashonda [despite her short-lived and barely-there role on the show that she elected to put behind her].
As well, the test of putting her honey where her mouth is was visible this week when pics of the “blended family” vacationing in St. Barts hit the Internet-where she and her two boys with Swizz, and Alicia and her one son with Swizz all shared the experience, memories and joy.
Spitfire .
Media Maestro .
Writing Rhinoceros .
