What started as a work exchange soon became something more. 

My brother, Deonta’, has severe Cerebral Palsy (Spastic Quadriplegia). He is non-verbal, intellectually delayed, immobile, has a seizure disorder and needs around-the-clock care because of his medical condition.  

For this reason alone, I was introduced to Marie. 

It wasn’t until months later before I realized how monumental the beginning would end up being. I did not know how much of an impact that first encounter would have on both of our lives. 

Sure enough, she became a confidant, and I began to look forward to my brother’s lunchtime and the dialogue that would ensue. We talked about the challenges and triumphs of marriage and motherhood, or about her faith and how her hope in Jesus got her through many tough times, and oh, what a wonderful storyteller she was! 

Marie would often take me to Haiti with her as she traveled into the memories of her past. The stories she told about her family and the journey left me speechless with wonder and amazement. 

“Who was this woman standing before me rinsing dishes?” I often pondered. 

It wasn’t long before I was reintroduced… not to Marie, but to ERLANDE. 

I invite you to take this visual and emotionally charged journey with us- not only to reclaim her name, but also to honor the people who helped build her identity in the first place: her family. 

To God Be the Glory, In Jesus’ Name.