The hardest, naturally occurring mineral known to man is a diamond. It is also the most sought after gem in the world. The fact that my muse for this piece was named after this incredible substance is fitting on many levels.
Diamond was raised in the Republic of Ghana and raised by her Mother and Grandmother. Her parents were poor, but her father always promised her mom a Diamond ring. Sadly, when her Mother was 6 months pregnant, her Father was killed tragically, and three months later she bore a daughter. Since her Father promised her Mother a Diamond, that is what she named her daughter, as she was the most valuable thing he could have ever given her… his promise was kept.
Diamond was hardened by her upbringing in Ghana, working on a cocoa farm from the time she was very young. She experienced a lot of pain in her life, things were never easy, but she always dreamed of a better life for she and her Mother. That dream ultimately came true soon after a wealthy foreigner purchased the cocoa plantation that her family worked at for generations.
It is worth noting that Diamond is of the Ashanti tribe, and the women of Ashanti are considered the most beautiful women in Ghana. One day this foreign gentleman was getting a tour of his farm and factory and had an accidental encounter with Diamond. In his words, “When I saw the sparkle in her eyes, I knew she was the one.”