A Sunshine of Good!
“Surround yourself with good people who encourage and love you. There are always ups and downs, no matter how successful you are.”
― Liana Liberato
In the fluidity of humanity, we are expected to see the not-so-pleasant sides of people. Oftentimes, we prepare ourselves with worse-case scenarios in our minds. For some of us, we can get bothered just by thinking of the possibility of being wronged. Though groomed through survival instincts and the challenges of life, it is completely understood why we must prepare ourselves for the ugliness of life. However, one can’t help but wonder how prepared are we to encounter good people with good hearts and who are intentionally good. Will we spend those moments questioning how good are they or scrutinizing the authenticity of their goodness? Will we spend more time distracted by unknown possibilities or remain present, learning from the goodness and welcoming it?
Several years ago, the goodness of Markeithra “Ketra” Evans entered our lives. This Chapel Hill, North Carolina native is a wife, mother, grandmother, creative genius, actor, vocalist, and humanitarian who lives her life on the values of her faith, family, and togetherness. When down, Ketra is the first to offer a word of encouragement, prayer, or even a hug. As the iconic lines from Finding Patience, the Musical read:
“Now, I ain’t one to dwell on hard stuff. I much prefer to stay on the sunny side of life.”
These words have become more than a fictional reading but a mantra for how Ketra chooses to live her life. In fact, she has been the sunshine to many dark moments in other people’s lives. She is a breath of air that breathes hope to others and the validation of the anchor of love within humanity. So, one can only imagine the crushing feeling of knowing that Ketra has been challenged with disturbing news. Instantly, the age-old question of, why do good things happen to bad people” comes to mind. Even more, heart-wrenching, how is it possible that a good person is challenged with a challenge while dealing with challenges?
Sounds a little confusing, huh? Well, let’s provide a little context…
“In July of 2020, Makeithra's husband, Gregory Evans, Sr. was in a horrific motorcycle accident. Although he miraculously survived, he suffered a serious Traumatic Brain Injury, fractured spine (in multiple places), broken arm and clavicle. He has not been able to speak or walk since the accident. Thankfully, over the past two years, Gregory has begun communicating through blinking and other methods. Makeithra, her daughter CeCe and a team of nurses take care of Gregory around the clock. This has prohibited Makeithra from being able to work full-time to help support them.
Unfortunately, in 2022, Makeithra began to experience headaches and other symptoms. After several medical appointments and tests, the doctors discovered that she has a rare condition called CSF venous fistula. This causes spontaneous intracranial hypotension and can lead to a sudden cranial leak, which often results in life-threatening meningitis, brain infections and strokes. Many people with Makeithra's condition are in a debilitating state before they are diagnosed.
The plan for treatment is surgery, which will require several days in the hospital and several weeks of recovery. Although they have insurance, the costs associated with the surgery will still present a financial burden. In addition, Makeithra will not be able to take care of Gregory during the surgery and recovery period, which means she will need help covering the costs of extra nurses. Since Makeithra has not been in a position to work full-time since her husband's accident, finances are now further strained (Angie Staheli, Organizer).”
This is an amazing opportunity to be the good in a good person’s life. Here are a few ways to help.
Financial Support: You are invited to give through gofundme. Click here for more details.
Business Support: Even with this diagnosis, Ketra is still creating beauty for us to experience through her businesses, Ketras Kreations and Devine Destiny. If you love handcrafted home décor, you’ll love her products.
Emotional Support: Offer love, encouragement, prayer or be a friend to someone who has been a friend to so many.
Educational Support: If you are aware of other healthcare and/or financial resources, please assist with making the necessary connections.
More About Ketra:
Makeithra (Ketra) Evans is a native of Chapel Hill, NC by way of Creedmoor NC. She is the proud owner of Ketras Kreations and Devine Destiny. Ketras Kreations is her home-based handcrafted items made from scratch; items such as flower arrangements, porch signs, wall decor of different styles, and noodle boards just to name a few. Apparel designs as well such as vinyl and heat pressed shirts, hats, pants, sweatshirts, custom socks, etc. She is married to the love of her life Gregory Evans Sr. They have a blended family of 3 adult women and 3 adult men along with 4 grandboys and 2 grandgirls. Family is very important to her as the journey of obstacles has been too familiar these last few years but, Now Faith is the substance of things hoped and the Evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Just one scripture that has got Mrs. Evans through.
Love Is A Parable- an initiative and movement that later became an organization within itself. Love is A Parable is a DBA and subsidiary of Altar and Dwelling Place, Inc. We are a charitable and an educational 501c3 organization, who provide character, social, and leadership development to those who have an aspiration toward unity, love, and kindness through a reflective thinking approach and sacred-box theory.
