I clearly remember the day I decided to get married. The problem was who to marry? Uncle Roger or Daddy? Big decision for a four year old.
El Hajj Khaalid Abdul Tariq (Daddy) was a man with smooth ebony colored skin. He wore his hair in an afro, and had a face full of soft, sweet smelling almost blue black hair, it enhanced his beautiful smile. He wasn't tall...maybe 5 ft, 9, and was slight of built. He called me Baby, and loved me unconditionally. Constantly encouraging me to explore the world and all it has to offer, he taught me how to read and was PTA President at my school.
Roger Francis Webb, Jr, (Uncle Roger) is a satiny caramel color. He's bald a cue ball, and clean shaven. He too has a beautiful smile, and his brown eyes were always full of fun. He stands 2-3 inches over 6 feet, and has the brand of the Omega Psi Phy fraternity. He taught me how to blow bubbles with my gum.
Both men were extremely intelligent, well read, compassionate, giving and charming. Both would carry me in their strong arms and tickle me until I couldn't breathe. Both would push me on the swing for what seemed like hours. Both would buy me ice cream even if it did ruin my appetite for dinner. Daddy took me on my first date. Uncle Roger on my first motorcycle ride. Daddy let me look at blood specimens at the hematology lab, and showed me my first ever computer. (It took up the entire room.) Uncle Roger let me slide down the pole at the firehouse, and taught me all about fire engines.
The day I decided to marry, we were at the park and they were teaching me to play the card game war. They never talked down to me, and always treated me like the princess I am. I remember leaning back against my Daddy, and looking up at Uncle Roger, as they laughed at something they were talking about. The sound of their laughter, the smell of my Daddy's beard, and Uncle Roger standing tall to stretch convinced me I had made the right decision. I would marry them both...as soon as I turned 5.
Daddy has since passed on, Uncle Roger has moved on. I don't think I ever told either one of them about that day. It floats to the top of my memory from time to time. A memory more precious than any jewel in the world.
I'm still waiting for that dark/caramel skinned Black man with great smelling facial hair, laughing eyes and the knowledge that I am someone to be treasured. He's in for a big surprise.
God Bless,
~~Cee...Level~~
1 comment:
GF - that was a beautiful memory - thanks for sharing with us.
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