by Brick
Now, don’t think I’m giving praise to only my eldest, ’cus that ain’t the deal here. Each of you reflects the best in me.
Inez, my dear precious girl, my own mother would love you with all her heart. You remind me of her, I promise you, and one day, I hope to help you see the brightness that I see in you, baby girl. You are a fighter too, and not just a healer. Know that and never forget it.
Melissa, even as I write this, I see the spark of fear in you, fear that you are alone, and I hope one day, you will see that the other side of yourself is so much more than your fear. You are like someone I hope to introduce you to, a woman who is like a second sister to me because of how she’s helped in protecting me. But I know that if I don’t catch you fast enough, you might leave me. For now, you are a carefree child, even with that glint of fear. I just hope that in my small way, in raising you, that you will have all that you need and love. I want the best for you.
Now, my three youngest, Monty, Jojo, and Navy. Y’all my little babies, don’t you know it? Even with the sadness in your eyes, I see a future so bright for you. I can’t even express it in my words as I write it. My heart overflows with what I see in y’all, and though you three are too young right now to discern who you all will be, I just know that the brilliance of your minds is incredible.
Lastly, my Cory. I did this on purpose because I spoil you enough. I got only this to say: I’ll whup your behind even when I’m in heaven. Boy, you are something else, but you are a protector, and I love that about you. I know you’re in your wild days, but one day you’ll trust your own spirit, and when you do, the man you will become will make me weep in joy.
I love my children. Each and every one of you came to me when I thought I’d have no children to love. So, Mama is thankful.
So, I need y’all to remember my words always, and the words of my Kingston and of ya Uncle Snap. If you do, I promise you all, the foundation might shake, but the family will always stay strong. Now, get my loving from your uncle Snap. Let that grumpy man know that my love is in you all.
As Kingston F. McPhearson would say, “The merit of a man and a woman is their ability to take ownership of their own bullshit, while not making excuses for their deplorable actions.” Y’all remember that, each and every one of y’all. Because in life it also takes the merit of a man and a woman to have the ability to walk away from conflict. Unless that conflict means to end your life, as Snap would say. So, I know I’m talking too much, because Snap is glaring at me from under his hat, so I’ll end this for now. I have so much more to write you all as you grow, and if I never get to finish my words, just know I tried.
Family ain’t always perfect, but even when we don’t like or love each other, we always have to remember our family, however we build it. Because they always can get that ass dragged and tagged.
With love always,
Claudette Haynes-McPhearson