Snippet #1 - Visiting Cemetaries

When my grandmothers passed away, that was the hardest and saddest thing for me to deal with. I loved both of my grandmothers; I loved them so much that I wish I could have their comfort and wisdom now. I remember going to see my Grandma (on my dad’s side) and listen to her tell me about her grand life story, jokes or even show me a few card games. I was always excited whenever she had something to say to me—she was like a breath of fresh air from all the turmoil in the world.

She was also great at keeping the family together. No one would dare miss a family reunion, birthday, or any holiday without her. Just a single phone call and…BAM! Everyone was at the doorstep ready to have fun, laugh and celebrate. It always felt like a party or a day at the beach with her. Her true goal, aside from seeing her children and grandchildren, was to watch them be happy amongst themselves. She always wanted to make sure that what we were doing was not only something we truly wanted, but felt it was going on the right path.

Then there is my other Grandmother…Grandma Robinson (on my mom’s side). She is black all the way from the top of her head down to her toes. She will not take excuses (believe me, she’ll see through anyone’s bullshit), she is very honesty (she’s not to give you the actual truth. No sugar coating), she is determined and headstrong, but most of all, she always had your back no matter what. If something happened to your or if someone didn’t treat you right, she will be there in a heart beat to “settle” it. She is firm and will make sure anything, and I mean, ANYTHING will get done. Heck! She has to be, especially when she not only has 3 kids of her own, but also adopted 4 more to boot!

But the one thing I wished I could’ve done was get her out of that neighborhood she lived in up in NY. It was a ghetto neighborhood where you need to be strong and alert to survive. People will pick at you if you show vulnerability…but now that I’m thinking about it, she had no problem standing up to thugs when they were scared of her. Heh…she is a true sweetheart, but she will show you some tough love.

S-Sorry…I’m tearing up right now…it’s just…it’s still hard to know they’re gone. I-I’ll never be able to hear their voices again or get a phone call from them. Dammit…I hate death so much…I hate it. I know it’s a part of life but...it’s just not fair. ....I guess that’s why I always hope to dream them up or even go to the cemeteries to just talk about how my life’s been and how the rest of the family are. I know they can hear me. There is always a whisper in the wind, or a soft warm breeze that gently caresses my cheek whenever I do. And just knowing that they’ll always be there, that is what’s making me smile.