A Letter From Nana: The Story of Ester M. Hines

Her life may not have been what she had dreamed, but her legacy was certainly indelible.Ester M. Hines', Nana as she was affectionately called, life was embodied as a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother and upon her death, a great great grandmother. She may have been born in poverty, but she was determined not to leave that way. Married at fourteen, she bare five children, but only two would survive. Her husband advised her that he was going to the store and would return, however he never did. Forced to provide for herself and her children, she left Canada for Detroit, in search of work and a stable environment, only to learn that shortly after she left for the states, her mother, without her knowledge, had rendered the children over to their father, who in turn placed them in foster care. By which her daughter was raped and her son was abused and beaten daily. The effects of which carry over for generations. Ester remained silent as her children, harbored hatred towards her and her siblings disdained her. Until one day, prior to her becoming gravely-ill, she began to write a letter explaining herself, her life, her circumstances, but the letter was never completed, leaving many unanswered questions. A letter, which is the catalyst for this story, opened the door to her compelling life's journey, as a woman who went from being scorned, ridiculed and tormented to a woman that was virtuous, honorable and wholesome.