Well, dayum, how did all this start? How did I get back into the past and spend most of the day wandering in the dark recesses of my mind? I had to write a bio for a website and I mentioned my beloved maternal grandmother. She was the one who raised me, shaped me and made me into something of what I am today. I called her "Big Mama" as did all the grandkids. I, however, thought I was specially blessed because even though the others would come visit, they all had to leave to go home. I lived with "Big Mama". Her name was Daisy Odom. And she was a force of nature....
She gave me a lot of the beliefs that I still have today. She taught me truth and character were the most important things in the world. Also that a man was only as good as his word and his hand shake was a bond, a contract as strong as any legal papers could ever be.
Her favorite music was gospel and her favorite gospel group was the Chuck Wagon Gang. I remember hearing her softly sing or whistle or hum many of their songs. Also I still have the old 78 rpm records of their music that were hers. This was one of her favorites.
And all this time I have been wandering in the past, I have made my way back to the present and I realize how truly lucky I am. I have a wonderful family, both by blood and by choice, and sometimes the family that we have chosen means more than blood. Now don't get me wrong, fuck with my blood and you fuck with me. I only have contact with one, and that is my aunt, but don't mess with any of the others. Sister, I love you.
And my family by choice is such a blessing and a joy and a comfort. Tina, Lee and Leigh, you are my daughters as much or more than if I fathered you myself. You bring such happiness to this old man. I am so proud of each of you. Raven, my sweet south Texas gal, who calls me Uncle Bob. My son, Kenny Bean, one of the best men I have ever had the pleasure to know. Robin, Corey, Bryce, Laura, Bobby, Serena and Lydia. Thank you for being you.
"Do not get your knickers in a twist" if you do not see your name here. You know who you are and you know that each and everyone of you is important to me. The point of this that I have been blessed more than anyone should be allowed to be.
I want to take the time to thank Terry and Linda Greenfield for having the faith in me and giving me a chance to get back to doing the thing I truly love to do and that is to tattoo. You have given me a fresh start and outlook on life. The pacemaker saved my life but you two have helped to save my soul. With Miss Maggie, who has stood besides me through all the bad times, you are all my special heroes. I love you, guys.
And, speaking of Miss Maggie, my best friend in the world and the only person that I trust 100%. God truly blessed me when He let you come into my life so many years ago. I think one of my favorite places in the world is the main hall at the ER at MCCG in Macon. "Please don't throw that chart" ~~wink~~ (Of course over the years I have often wondered why He punished you by hooking you up with me.)
Thanks for letting me prattle on. I think I got it out of my system for now.
Love you all.....