I miss the innocence of your childish sweet smile
and your gentle, knowing touch.

I remember bright and shining, curious eyes
and the happy smiles so much.

I sometimes think of the noise you made as you playfully chased through the house those days.

I miss the things I miss when nothing else moves the pain.

I wish I did not miss you so much. I wish…the things I wish...could all be wished away.

WHAT DADDY WOULD HAVE DONE

First he would have listened intently which one could always tell by the rhythmic shift and angle of the way he held his head.

Then he would have gently spoken assuring me that all would eventually be well.

Next he would tell me to bow with him in faith to obtain guidance and strength for my way.

Finally, he would have made a few calls to some of the many folks he knew to see what they would say or do.

In the end, he would complete a follow-up with me. He would stay abreast of the situation and through his participation I would glean the most useful updates.

But, just a few years ago, he had to go away
Now each time I have a problem, I remember how he handled things ‘back in the day’.
This is when the realization hits me like a ton of bricks on the run—for I’m plumb on my own.

But, though he’s now long gone, my past experience knows and stands to say what my Daddy would have done.

I tell you, Daddy would have said… Daddy would have done…Well, now I think we all know what Daddy would have said and done…

Listen, God love everything you love - and a mess of stuff you don't. But more than anything else, God love admiration.

You saying God vain? I ast.

Naw, she say. Not vain, just wanting to share a good thing. I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.

What it do when it pissed off? I ast.

Oh, it make something else. People think pleasing God is all God care about. But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.

He'd fight all her dragons, every last one of them, and she didn't even have to ask.

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.

. . . when it comes down to it, that’s what life is all about: showing up for the people you love, again and again, until you can’t show up anymore.