Sharing time with friends and loved ones is the simplest gift to give to yourself and others. These relationships sometimes go in cycles. Sometimes family and friends become estranged. If you have anger towards someone but you know that deep down it stems from them being a less than perfect person to you (i.e. a schmuck) - try to remember the love. Sometimes we may have been the jerk in the situation. Well, just be honest. Don't make an excuse, own it, say "I screwed up" and "I am truly sorry." …
Daddy was a Soldier.
Daddy was a soldier in World War II and the Korean War and he was proud of that fact. Back when I thought I knew everything - I used to say "War World II was Daddy's finest hour." He was in Europe and a G.I. Life was an adventure. Black soldiers were considered heroes, a thing of wonder like an exotic bird - there was no segregation and no Jim Crow in European cities for a soldier. A Black man from the South could walk freely and speak with a man and look him in the eye. I believe war was …
Reflection.
My cousin took this photo while at our family reunion in Atlanta. This photo touched me and stopped me in my tracks to reflect. It means so much more to me now. It makes me think of family and my relatives who have passed. It represents a time of community and struggle when African Americans had a leader who fought for us in a time when there was no question and no denial of the conditions of our people in America. So much history, so close to my heart. And I know that other people have such …
Memorial Day
Memorial Day was a very active Holiday in my house while growing up. It is officially the day for honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. My dad served and survived both World War II and the Korean war so I grew up with the language of Veterans my entire life. Our home was filled with his memorabilia from his days "in the War." He was active in the VFW, and marched in Memorial Day Parades as a color guard. We would pack up and drive to small towns …