Fairy Godmother: Debra & Nikole’s Magical Connection
It’s the night before Nikole’s wedding and everything is going wrong. The cake may not arrive, and suddenly, one after another, there are more fires to fight. She’s not sure if the wedding going to happen and is hanging on by a thread — physically and emotionally. In steps Debra: her mentor and friend, someone who’s become a mother-like figure for Nikole.
And Nikole breathes a sigh of relief.
Debra has been there for Nikole since 2014, when they were randomly matched for the Mentorship component of Imagine LA’s Family Partnership Model. That first meeting was “like a blind date,” they recall, and neither was sure if they would hit it off. Yet here they are, seven years later, not only friends, but with Debra at Nikole’s side at every step and in her moment of need.
Their bond wasn’t instant. Coming from vastly different backgrounds, both Debra and Nikole had to push aside stereotypes and misconceptions they had. It took open communication on both sides, and together they worked through ups and downs they both faced. While matched as mentor and mentee, Nikole recalls the impact Debra had on her life and on her children. Debra knew to ask questions Nikole didn’t. For instance, when buying a car, Debra helped Nikole renegotiate the finances on it. Later, when Nikole was applying for jobs, Debra looked over her resume and cover letter to highlight her strengths and skills. In 2014, Nikole’s son, Elijah, was one year old, and Nikole would also ask about parenting advice and which day cares were best. Debra recalls how much Nikole has helped with her own family struggles as well, “It goes both ways,” Nikole being there to listen whenever Debra needed her.
Now, Elijah is almost like a grandson to Debra and her husband, Abe. Elijah's pictures are mixed into the scrapbook of their biological grandkids' pictures. Abe and Nikole have a strong relationship as well, with Abe helping with her taxes every year. A huge moment for them was Elijiah staying the night at Debra and Abe’s. It was Elijah’s first sleepover, and Nikole was so nervous. But the next day, Elijiah came home full of joy, asking only when he could go back. (He would get the opportunity a few weeks later during Nikole’s honeymoon)
With Debra’s teamwork, Nikole’s wedding ended up running smoothly. Debra picked up the cake for the venue, that she also helped pick out. Plus, she surprised Nikole the morning of the wedding with centerpieces of pink roses – something Nikole had always dreamed of. As Nikole walked down the aisle wearing Debra’s veil -- her something old and something borrowed -- Debra was right there, one of the four people chosen to sit in the front row. Two other people in the front were two other maternal like figures Nikole has. She stressed to their photographer that she had to get a picture with her “moms,” unsure of how else to explain such important relationships to a stranger. The photographer understood, saying, “Of course, we can’t forget the fairy godmothers.” They all laughed, knowing it was true, they all wanted every wish of Nikole's to come true.
A “blessing” to each other, they believe while the arrangement appeared random, and despite their different religious beliefs, it was truly God who put them together. With their mutual respect and appreciation, Debra and Nikole have found family within each other.
