man, i wish you were here

to see the things I’ve done…to meet my kids

and to see what’s really good.

I can still hear your voice. I can see your can of magic shaving powder. Your tan bomber jacket. Your khakis. Your caps.

I remember your keychain. A brown, thick leather strap. Your tea mugs and your grey, soft wooly hair.

You ALWAYS knew how to bring me back to the middle. Even when you pushed me past it 🙄.

The other day, I drove past the bus stop where you used to catch the bus home in Mill Basin…

There was so much safety in your consistency, your reliability.

There was honor in your commitment to the whole.

The newest thing I’ve learned is the safety you taught me in information.

You taught me to love learning about life.

There’s a safety I’ve learned from you in not having to ask, you shared. Thank you for that lesson.

No television, your superpower was taking all that life had taught you, and pouring it out in conversation with whoever would listen.

And I could listen to you all day.

Politics, religion, finances…the differences in screwdrivers…how to make a bed…how to mop a floor.

This year in particular hit differently for so many reasons. There are so many things that I wish that I could tell you…especially because I’m GROWN now 😂.

I know your real birthday is 10/21…but, the paperwork says 10/24.

so, happy birthday Lee.

I’m grateful that God gave you long life and another chance at it…

Dinner on me.

Half chicken with pork fried rice.

Orange soda.

Snicker in the freezer.

❤️

ma