Mahogany
We all know the movie, one of a ghetto girls rise to fame and her epiphany that life is meaningless without the ones she love. Well my trip was Refreshing to say the least. I arrived by plane, to the chaos of Newark International Airport. My 5 year old and a bunch of bags in hand. Back in NJ for the first time in months. Prepared for a long stay, and nothing but time on my hands. Time to think and unwind and get away from my new life and experience my old life for a while.
My first stop was aunt's house, I haven't been there in years and it was good to sit in her one bed room apt which has and will always be the same. From there I took a detour to my best friend's house, who I haven't seen in 2 years, He came to the door high as a kite. Still living at home w/ his mom's and still not allowed to have company at the age of 29. Things don't change. It was good seeing him, his philosophy on life is unmatched and his words left a lasting impression on my life as they always do. But next was the real test...
My Grandmother's house. Well more like my Dad's mother's house. Again exactly the same from the last time I been there at the tender age of 13. I rung the door bell to the greeting of a Jehovah's witness, unrecognized by my flesh. I introduced myself as her grandson and was invited in, She was cooking Sunday dinner, but I just really wanted to go see my Dad. I know he's been sick and well I felt as If he needed to see his son before he passed. my day told me all about his illness. Seeing a man die alone opened up my eyes to a lot of things. Another reminder not to make the same mistakes he made. The meeting ended with him giving me his lighter... Another small but powerful things i hold dead to my heart. I'll frame it along with the picture I snapped of us. Tears filled my eyes as I walked out the door.
The next day I reunited with my youngest daughter. Watching the kids play with each other was a wonderful sight and this alone made the trip worth it. They played alone in her room for hours. I sat back and played the proud dad I am.
After a few days of seeing everyone else it was time for me to have a little fun, I went to hook up with my latest friend or maybe new character in my scribes... We'll call her BEST from here on out. She showed me that things aren't always the same despite the fact that every one's house was exactly like the last time I walked into their homes. Things change, that there are people out there who are willing to make you feel important. She also showed me how a puddle by the seaside can remove dog shit from a boot. All in all I had fun and I realized that life truly is meaningless without the ones you love.
