2011: Completely Ruined

I know that Color Me Badd comes to mind for me, as well as many of you, when reflecting on 2011. I am not ashamed to admit that this was one of the songs I liked off of their debut album, which was released 20 YEARS AGO. The title very obviously states what I am attempting to do with this blog entry.

Every year I do these entries to try and gain some perspective on the past year's highs and lows, and how these events may potentially catapult me--gently--into the following year.

I entered into 2011 crazy about my then-girlfriend, a full PS3 addiction, fiending for the next acting project, and praying for my younger cousin, Larry, who was blessed to survive a horrific crash last December. I can honestly say all of those things were elevated in some way--touched and blessed.

January brought a fresh short film project, called "The Favor," written by Anthony Greene, directed by Demetrius Parker, and co-starring John Moriarity. A ten-minute comedic riff on the N-word. I could not be happier with a project. I had a blast and it was shot in around 5 hours. Below is the full film. (Warning: Wields offensive language in a hilarious manner!)

The Favor from Anthony Greene on Vimeo.

"The Favor" was later accepted into the World Music & Independent Film Festival, where both John and I received nominations for "Best Actor in a Short Film." The festival took place in August, in DC.

Toward the end of January, I finally received word from Dan, the casting director, at Arena Stage, regarding a November audition and call back for Lynn Nottage's "Ruined," being directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. The saints had gone marching in, and I was in that number--HALLELUJAH! That news made me soar. God knows He was just showin' off! I was in shock for weeks.

Around the same time, I received news of being cast in Nubia Filmworks' next feature film project, "Nocturnal Agony," and it seemed like they were aiming to shoot around the same time frame as "Ruined" was aiming to rehearse. I still had a couple of months before either project and I'd already started to worry about a potential conflict. So I prayed, because I did not want to have to give up either. #Selfish

So then comes March. I'd been scheming and plotting one of my biggest decisions to date--to marry, or not to marry. Sonal and I had been together at that point for a year and a half, and I thought that just wasn't long enough. I wanted her around for LIFE! (Sounds like a prison sentence. I'm a bit of a glutton for punishment.) I called upon our mutual friend, Tuyet, to do some investigative work to find out ring information, etc. Then I took the intelligence and went out and made a purchase.

Finally on the night of March 18th, I completed a short staged reading of Edward Albee's "Fam & Yam" at Arena Stage, directed by Dr. Angelisa Gillyard, and featuring the incomparable Craig Wallace. The reading was at 10:30pm. Sonal came to support, though she was barely hanging on to consciousness. (We'd just seen Salman Rushdie speak at the Kennedy Center earlier that evening). Afterwards, we went back to her place. I knew I had to be quick as she was fading away for the night. So there was no big creative stroke of genius. I just grabbed the ring, shook her awake and asked her to to be my wife.

Instead of a simple "yes" or "no bamma, get out of my face," she groggily replied, "Let me see that thing--" referring to the ring--lifted her hand into the air and placed it on her ring finger. After giving it a once-over, she stated matter-of-factly, "We're already married."

And with that, it was done.

Not a lot of room for sentiment in this relationship. . . and for that, I love her.

(Sidenote: As of today, December 30, 2011, we are still unable to pinpoint an exact date or location for the wedding, but I made a resolution for 2012 that we will have one or the other. . . and with a bit of luck, BOTH.)

Less than a week after the proposal, rehearsals began for "Ruined." The first days of rehearsals for me were spent just getting my eyes adjusted to seeing so many Black people together in one cast--and Larry Redmond, the wonderfully talented, token, non-Black actor in the cast. The cast included 20+ actors, at the mercy of the masterful hands of Charles Randolph-Wright.

From beginning to the end, the production was a DREAM job. We got along swimmingly. We also made it a point to laugh as much as humanly possible, because "Ruined" is a tale heavy with human atrocities, and we could not let the darkness overtake us.  We still had to live outside of that world.

"Ruined" (Arena Stage)

As the end of the run neared, I think we all felt a collective sadness. We knew we had just experienced something so amazing that just doesn't come with every production.  I know I wanted to hold on to that feeling forever.

I'm certain many of my colleagues from that production have gone on to do many great works since then. I have not been on stage since then, but will return to my "sweet spot," Imagination Stage, in a couple of weeks, for "P. Nokio," a brainchild from fellow "Ruined" alumnus, Psalmayene 24.

Fortunately, I was able to work out the "Nocturnal Agony" shoot with "Ruined" rehearsals. I didn't have nearly as much to tackle with "Nocturnal" as I did with "Too Saved." I also got to work with my dear friend, Deidra, and her daughter, Kathryn, who plays my daughter in the film. I had a chance to meet Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and Vernee' Watson on the set. It was very cool! Below is the trailer:



The weekend after the closing of "Ruined," I booked it to Brooklyn, NY. My MAIN man, Will Mason, and his long time girlfriend, Lydia, were finally making it official with OPERATION: MATRIMONY. It was a fantastic evening. Mason and I go back to 1993. We entered VCU's theatre program at the same time, hit it off, and have been boys ever since. He has a wonderful family. His parents and sisters are my Richmond family. I love my sister-in-law, Lydia, and all the kids.  It was great seeing all of them, and even got to see our homeboy, Cedric, from VCU. Hadn't seen him since 1999, when we sat out on his balcony in the Fan district in Richmond and analyzed Eminem's first album.

Will and Lydia on their wedding day (June 2011)

The week after NY, I was on a plane with Sonal, heading to Michigan, to her parents' home. My 2nd time there, and this time I had the honor of meeting her older sister and her niece and nephew, whom she absolutely worships. After meeting them, I can understand why. Her nephew and I quickly bonded over a game of Modern Warfare on his Nintendo DS. I was a complete sucker by the end of Day One in Michigan, when they started calling me "Uncle JJ."

Then came August. Sonal and I packed our bags and took a road trip down to Hilton Head Island, in South Carolina. My friend, Gena, was marrying her man, Anthony. It was a beachfront wedding, complete with live singing from Gena, her son, John, and others. I got to see some of my ATLiens: Auntie and KK. It was a great weekend. A much needed getaway.

And before the summer completely got away from us, Sonal and I managed 2 trips to Assateague Island: 1 for just a day, and 1 for an overnight stay where we ended up sleeping in the car. Assateague is famous for its wild ponies who are able to roam about among the citizens. As a result, you better have a strong nose, because the air is rich with horse chocolate. #HorsheyKisses

"The Henchman's War"

The only acting project that I've taken on since "Ruined," has been the film, "The Henchman's War," written/directed/produced by Anthony Greene ("The Favor"). I've shot most of my scenes, and had a great time working with some amazing actors, at an amazing home out in Ashburn, VA. I really look forward to the final product. I hear there are some great fight scenes, none of which I got to participate in.

*snaps finger in disappointment*

For the past few years, I've been dealing with an internal struggle. Feeling as if my auditioning ability was slowly giving way to self-consciousness and lack of confidence, I finally decided at the end of this past summer to take a step to counteract that feeling. I contacted legendary acting teacher, Vera Katz, who taught at Howard University for several years. I have many colleagues who have taken her on for private coaching. I decided to follow in their foot steps.

I first met with her in early September, at her home, and within the first minutes knew that I was in the right place. She dealt just the right dosage of honesty and love. Raw honesty, which is exactly what I've longed for. She called me out (and still does) on my old habits and challenges my weaknesses.

Outside of her acting guidance, she has allowed me to use her autographed copy of Isaiah Washington's autobiography, "A Man from Another Land." We also went to see a show at Adventure Theatre together. She is an absolute gem. I just wish I didn't wait so long to call on her. . . but all things in time.

About a month ago, I happened upon the Rolling Stone magazine article, "100 Greatest Guitarists." I didn't realize it at the time how big of an effect that it would have on me. Having not grown up a fan of rock music, I've only dipped my toes in its waters within the last decade, enough to grow a genuine love for it. This article unleashed an intense curiosity. With Youtube by my side, I began to listen to many of the guitarists mentioned, only to find myself fiending for more. To this day, I am still listening to and downloading songs from artists in that article. Some of my favorites: Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Howlin' Wolf, Allman Bros. Band, Rory Gallagher, and Buddy Guy. I'd already been fans of many others: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Hendrix, Santana, Clapton, Joni, Robert Johnson, etc. Of course, the order of the list could be argued till the end of time, but the list has been priceless to me.

In 2010, I was re-introduced to the world of gaming. This year I've continued walking that line of addiction. I can't help it if they be puttin' they foot in these games! (Grammically incorrect for effect.) My love for the RPG has continued to grow as I took on the thirteenth installment of Final Fantasy--my first introduction to the series. I easily sank 150+ hours into completing the main quest and all of its side quests--1 of which nearly took a month (that frickin' Vercingetorix!!!) Then there was Dragon Age 2, for which I almost wet myself in anticipation. (TMI?) Not as good as the first.

The Vercingetorix (Final Fantasy XIII)

However, NOTHING--ab-so-lu-tely NOTHING could've prepared me for the best game ever. I went to Game Stop at the latter part of the summer, in search of a great RPG. I asked the sales associate what he would recommend. He said that a co-worker of his went completely nuts over Demon's Souls. I'd actually read a review of that one prior to the visit to Game Stop, so I went ahead and picked it up. Basically, everything that I'd read stated: "THIS GAME IS @#$#@#$ HARD!" I should've run.

After 2 days of attempting Demon's Souls, I resolved that I was going to return it. I was completely defeated. I was not getting anywhere and I did not want my breakdown to end up on Youtube. LOL! Then something happened. . . I gave it another try and I made a little progress, and it felt GREAT! So I took a deep breath and gave it another go. Slowly, more and more progress was being made. Yes, it was kicking my butt, but I would kick back. Ninety hours later, I completed my first playthrough. Then 45 hours after that, I completed my second playthrough, as a new character. Then 18 hours after that, I completed my third playthrough, as ANOTHER character!

I'd finally gotten the hang of it. It is truly my favorite game. I look forward to its sequel, Dark Souls, but for now, I need a break. So I have introduced myself to Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion--a new RPG for me, while also starting Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Arkham City (YES!), and Call of Duty: Black Ops. After the Demon's Souls ordeal, all of these games feel like a vacation.

This year has been extremely memorable. A lot of great events took place. I am an extremely blessed man. I know this, and I accept it.

I double-dog dare 2012 to be better. . . for all of us.

Peace and love!!!

When They Reminisce Over You. . .

I haven't had the urge to blog in a really long time, as documented by this blog, but I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.  A few weeks ago, my father revealed that he's kept a cassette tape stored away for over 27 years which contained my late grandmother, Anna Johnson, revealing her final wishes. He never listened to it, so it remained forgotten for many years. He "unearthed" the cassette so that I could transfer its contents to CD.

As a footnote, my grandmother passed on May 23, 1984, when I was 9 years old. I was from the time that I can remember a "grandma's boy." Always at her apron strings.  I would throw a tantrum whenever it was time to leave her house, because I wanted to stay with her.  No regard for the fact my parents would have to drive 40 miles from Front Royal to Warrenton the next day to pick me up.  I remember her Red Kool-Aid, her voice, her macaroni & cheese, her cigarettes, her blue furniture with the plastic covers. I remember how she wasn't much for saying "I love you" or signs of affection, but I have never felt more love from any living creature. I remember running into her house when visiting and hearing her say, "Who's that ugly thing comin' in here?"  And me, tripping head over heels, grinning and replying, "Me, Grandma Nanny!"

Her loss in 1984 had an epic effect on me, and at the age of 9, I was forced to understand the power of death.

So, 27 years later, I sat in my room.  It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in early August 2011.  I'd just been given this cassette by my parents earlier that day, after I saw them at church. I set up all of the necessary equipment needed to transfer to CD, and I pressed "Play" on the cassette player.  While on the cassette my father was doing most of the talking, the first word I heard my grandmother speak in 27 years, in response to a question my father asked on the cassette, was "Yes."

It was evidently a powerful "yes," because I began to gush, just like that 9 year old boy who lost his grandmother back in '84.  I shamelessly gushed as the cassette rolled on, and she began to speak more.  The characteristics of the voice that I remember sent waves of energy coursing through my being.  It was amazing!

Unfortunately, the death of my grandmother only marked the beginning.  Since then, I have been to the wakes and funerals of dozens of loved ones--family and friends--friends of the family and family of friends. I've heard friends say that they've never been to a funeral or that they've never lost a loved one, and it baffles me.  To me, it almost seems unimaginable.

At times I feel that I obsess too much over death, and at other times my experience with it helps to keep me focused on loving and enjoying every moment that I have with everyone in my circle.  I do not want to take anyone for granted.

I believe in giving people roses while they are alive to savor them.  I've seen too many people live with regrets after a loved one passes.  Perhaps there was some issue that may have been blown out of proportion, but now death has put the pettiness of the issue in perspective.

I often think about everyone over the years who has touched my life in some fashion, and I appreciate them, regardless how brief our encounter(s).  Those who have passed have etched a piece of themselves into my soul.  I want to offer up a part of this blog as a memorial to them.  Wherever their soul may lie, I just want them to know that they are not forgotten, though I may not remember everyone's full name correctly.  For that, I apologize.

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FAMILY

Edna Walker - My great-grandmother (my mother's mother's mother) who passed only a year or so before my "Grandma Nanny," in the early 1980s. I didn't know her well, because she lived in NY, and was only brought down to VA in her final days.  She was the first person I'd ever seen on their deathbed.  From stories that my mother has shared, she was a very loving person who called Mom, "Dollbaby."

Anna Johnson - My father's mother. **see above**

Sissy Pollard - Older cousin on my father's side. She passed during the same time frame as my grandmother.  She was also my Godmother along with her husband, Percy, my Godfather.  I remember her passion for God and for praise and worship.  My parents used to have a gospel band with her, Percy and the Sims family.

Catherine Minor - Great aunt on my father's side. She passed in the early 80s as well. I don't remember much about her, but I do remember watching the Flintstone's at her house when I was really young.  #RandomMemories 

Jake Minor - Great uncle on my father's side.  Passed in the late 80s/early 90s. Always used to tease me and tell me, "I'm gon' bust you WIIIIIIIIIIDE open!" He was a trip!

Carroll "Piggy" Jenkins - Great uncle on my mother's side.  Also known as "Sarge." He was a veteran, and kinda scared me as a kid, but never did any harm.

Joseph "Chick" Jenkins - Great uncle on my mother's side.  He gave me the alto saxophone that I used throughout my years in Band from middle-to-high school.  He passed during the early 90s.  He also taught my father the construction trade, when my father was coming up.  A lot of men on both sides of my family worked for him at some point in their lives. I really admired Uncle Chick.  I still have that sax.

Bernard "Eppie" Grant - Cousin on my father's side.  One of my many big cousins on my father's side.  He was killed in his early 30s, in the late 1990s. It was a devastating loss and a wake up call to many of us.

Andrew "Gus" Minor - Great uncle on my father's side.  Like Uncle Jake, Uncle Gus used to tease me a lot as a kid.  I was actually very scared of Uncle Gus when I was a kid, but as I got older I realized he was harmless.  You could always count on him to show his moves at every family reunion.  He was a dancer.  He passed in the late 90s.

Alice Cheatham - My great cousin (my mother's father's cousin).  She was a towering woman who came to VA to live in the 90s from NY.  Before then, I'd seen her when she'd visit my grandparents on occasion.  I remember her as kind with a good sense of humor.

Myrtle Rowe(?) - Great aunt on my father's side.  She reminded me so much of my late grandmother. I always loved to see her.  She was a great cook and a legendary fisher, from what I hear. :) 

Catherine "Fuzzy" Grant - My aunt (father's sister).  She passed in 2000 to everyone's surprise.  She was the first of my father's 5 sisters to pass.  I really miss Aunt Fuzzy.  I remember she was with us when my parents reluctantly took me with them to see "Stir Crazy" at the movies in 1980.

Aunt Fuzzy holding me. . . and that's my Dad.

William "Bill" Jenkins - My great uncle on my mother's side.  It was tough hearing of Uncle Bill's passing in March 2003.  I was living in Brooklyn at the time.  I really admired Uncle Bill.  He exemplified honor, courage, humility, workmanship, stewardship, and humor.  My brother, TJ, and him had a really tight bond.  He was a farmer and a cowboy.  He owned horses for as long as I can remember.  He lived next door to my maternal grandparents, so we always could see him, when we visited them.  He and my grandfather were not only brothers, but best of friends.  Really really miss Uncle Bill.  If you've seen the film, "Secondhand Lions," then you've seen Uncle Bill.  Michael Cain's character reminds me so much of him.  As a kid, he used to confuse me, because he looked like a White man. Ha!  R.I.P. Unc.

Arthur Jenkins - My grandfather (my mother's father).  This is still a tough pill to swallow.  I looked up to my grandfather tremendously.  Like Uncle Bill, he exemplified so many honorable things.  My father speaks of his horse-riding abilities back in the day, as legendary.  I remember him as the grandfather who'd slip change into my hand, when I was a kid.  The grandfather who was quiet and reserved. A deacon of the church.  Stoic.  The only time I ever saw him cry was at my ordination to become a deacon.  He was so proud.  Though he may not have fully understood my career choice, he'd always check in with me, in his quiet way: "So, Jay, how's that acting thing going?"  He passed in October of 2004 from cancer.  I was living in NY and trying to piece together enough money for weeks to get home to see him.  I finally made it down to see him on a Friday.  The next day, he passed. How I miss him.

Caroline Morton - Cousin on my father's side.  Her passing came as a surprise to me and many of our family members.  She passed in the summer of 2007.  She hadn't even reached 50 yet, and from what I remembered of her, she was full of life and kindness.  One of my older cousins that I loved as a kid. I did not see her as much in my adult life, but always had and will always have love for her and her family.

Edith Robinson - Aunt (father's sister).  Her passing came right on the heels of Caroline's passing.  I was in the final week of "The Unmentionables" at Woolly Mammoth, and really had to pull it together to finish it out.  Aunt Edith is my father's oldest sister.  Her death really hit him hard.  It hit all of us hard, but I'd never seen my father in such a state of mourning.  She was so full of life, as well.  She was the traveller in the family.  She burned up her passport, travelling the world. I always admired her for that.  I loved her and her sense of humor so much. She was one of the few people that could curse my Dad out, and he'd be okay with it. LOL!  I MISS YOU SO MUCH, AUNT EDITH!  In her honor, her kids and grandkids started a charity group, Edith's Roses.  Together we've walked to fight diabetes, walked for MADD, given out food at holidays, etc.  That is her legacy.



Edith's Roses at a Walk for Diabetes in Manassas, VA.





Nikki Hunter - Cousin on my mother's side.  She passed at the age of 38, last year. I remember her more from our childhood, because she used to roll with my Aunt Fay and Cousin "Dimps."  It goes without saying that her death came as a surprise.  She was a young mother and wife.  If the size of her funeral was any testament to her life, then the world definitely lost an angel.

**UPDATE (11/4/11)

Bobby Williams - Cousin on my father's side, who passed last month. He was in his late 40s, so his death was a surprise. As many reminisced on Bobby, they spoke about his humor and his "craziness."  He loved to have fun. He had a powerful homegoing service. I mostly remember him from family reunions and dinners. He will definitely be missed by many.

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FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES, MENTORS, ETC.

Patricia Grant - Ms. Grant taught for many years at Warren County High School. One of the few African-American teachers and a very strong presence. I never had any of her classes, but having grown up with her 2 sons--Thomas and John--she'd always been a part of my young life. So when I arrived at the high school, she took me under her wing, always offering insight and advice. For that, I grew to love her tremendously. She passed a couple of years ago. The news deeply saddened generations who grew up under her influence.

Elder Isham Williams - I cannot recall when Elder Williams passed. I believe it may have been the late 80s/early 90s. He was the eldest preacher within our Baptist church--only a few years from making 100. He was full of wisdom, and one of the men who mentored my father,when my father first came into the ministry. I remember his humility and his humanity. He was loved by the people and rightly so. He also rubbed elbows with one of Hollywood's finest, Robert Duvall, also a Virginia resident. At the end of the film "The Apostle," there is a little shout out to Elder Williams. I will always remember his lively version of "I'll Fly Away." A wonderful man!

"Miss Maudie" Natt - My best friend's grandmother. Cory Hill and I became best of friends when we were about 5 or 6 years old. We lived across the street from each other. Every weekend, he would either sleep over at my house or I over his. For a time, his grandmother lived with him and his mother, Dorothy. As with most of Cory's family, she treated me as family. When we got into mischief, she scolded us. Etc. She passed in the late '80s, if I remember correctly. A big loss.

Robert "Bud" Hill - Cory's father. A Korean War veteran. He was an older man. The coolest cat on this side of the Mississippi. He always kept his vehicles pristine. I felt honored whenever I got to ride in one. He became a father figure in my life. I remember going to Wild World, trips to Richmond, and around the area, with him, Dorothy, and Cory. He passed in the early 90s, I believe.

"Uncle Homer" Natt - Cory's uncle. He passed in the earlier 2000s. He's to blame for several of my current loves/addictions: kung-fu cinema and movie theaters. While he lived with Cory and Dorothy, he shared a room with Cory. When I spent the night, we'd all watch WWF Wrestling and kung-fu films on Saturday mornings.  Then on occasions, we'd walk or take a taxi down to the movie theater on Main St.  I especially remember seeing "Rocky III" with him. That was my first "Rocky" movie!

Dr. Scott White, Sr. - I will always think of him as the moderator of 2nd National Ketoctan Baptist Association. One of Elder Isham Williams' contemporaries, he was one of the men that my father looked to for infinite spiritual wisdom. He had a wonderfully kind spirit and was a family man to the core.  He has left one of the greatest gospel legacies to ever exist. The Scott White singers outnumber the Tribes of Israel.  Their talent is immense. It all started with him and his wife. I came up in our church conference as a youth, when he was a moderator. I loved to hear him speak and sing, even as a kid who would've rather been outside playing. If I'm not mistaken, he passed in the late 90s.

Kenneth Daugherty - A legend of theatre! I had the fortune of being cast by him in Carlyle Brown's "Buffalo Hair," back in 2000. Produced by the African-Continuum Theatre Co., which he'd been instrumental in helping to bring into existence. He was a spitfire who demanded nothing less than your best. I was really saddened by his passing a few years later.

Douglas Brinklow - Doug was a classmate of mine from 4th - 7th grade. From what I understood, he took his own life. I never heard any official report. I do recall he and his sister were teased and bullied because of their perceived economic status. I always tried to be friendly to him. Though I didn't participate in the teasing/bullying, I didn't do anything to stop it. I don't know whatever happened to his sister or family, but I pray that they have peace.

Sis. Edna Kinney - She was the clerk of Shiloh Baptist Church, when my father first arrived as pastor, back in 1986. She was 1 of 3 members, at the time. A kind-hearted, elderly lady who handled the church business like a pro! She passed in the late 80s.

Sis. Robinetta Gardner - Shiloh's piano player.  1 of 3 Shiloh members,when Dad arrived as Pastor. She reminded me so much of my late grandmother. She was so alive and vivacious!  She dressed to the "T," and could rock a piano. I loved her dearly. I miss hearing her sing, "In the Garden." Sometimes at church, I look over at the piano and envision her playing and singing. I fortunately still have footage of her. She passed in the mid-90s.

Sis. Sarah Gibert - The final of Dad's original 3 members. She just passed last year. She was a trooper who always wore a huge smile. Her face was so full of sunshine. She took on the clerk duties, after Sis. Kinney passed. For members of the local theatre community, legendary theatre actor, Lizan Mitchell, reminds me so much of her. Sis. Gibert stayed loyal to Shiloh to her final minutes. She is greatly missed.

Donna Dunmyer - My parents' neighbor for many many years. She used to babysit my brother, when we were kids. She underwent gastric bypass surgery back in the 90s, and so when my father was set to have the same surgery, he leaned on her for wisdom and friendship. She just passed within recent months. May she rest in peace. May her family have peace.

Tremayne Sawyers - A classmate of mine. Tremayne (a.k.a. "Punny") and I were buddies in 6th grade. He was a crazy cat. In class, we would be in tears from his clowning! As time went on, we went our separate paths. I last saw him a few years ago at a funeral in Front Royal.  Then it was only a year or so later, when the town received the news of his death. Very shocking. Rest in Peace, Bro.

Linda Gaines - My friend, Nova's mother--Cory's mother-in-law. Her passing is relatively recent, as she went on home earlier this year. From Hagerstown, she spent the last several years living in Front Royal. She was always around for our "Dorothy Events," on 11th St.  She was lively and fun. Had the nerve to have a Facebook page. LOL! May she rest in peace.

Coryell Hill - *sigh* In a couple of weeks, my godson, Jaquare Hill, will celebrate his 17th birthday. He and Coryell were born prematurely in Charlottesville, VA. Twins. Born to Nova and Cory. Jaquare and Coryell went through quite a few health struggles as preemies,but it seemed that Coryell was the stronger of the two.  Unfortuately, he passed on from this world around New Year's 1995. Not even 2 months of age. He never got to come home from the hospital. I hope and pray I never have to view a coffin for an infant ever again. So thankful for bighead Jaquare!

Wayne "Waynie" Brooks, Jr. - One of my brother's classmates. My mother used to babysit "Waynie" when he was an infant/toddler. We used to get a kick out of how he used to pronounce "water." Sounded a lot like "loiter." He died around the age of 12, if I remember correctly. Drowned in the Shenandoah River, while playing with some associates. There was suspicion that foul play may have been involved. The story was even explored on an investigative program on the USA Network back in the early 90s. A very sad time.

Elder Wilmer Bryant - As Elder Williams and Dr. White mentioned before, Elder Bryant was a classic example of what a follower of God should be: humble, wise, kind, slow to speak, quick to listen. Well-known for singing, "Stay on the Rock," and his willingness to walk wherever to church. He didn't drive, and if he was unable to get a ride, he would walk to his destination. I even heard that he walked/hitch-hiked to Pennsylvania to church. I remember many times, him squeezing in the backseat with my brother and me.  As I got older, I even picked him up on occasions or gave him a ride home. He travelled like a classic disciple of God. He had no shame and was one of the most genuine men of God that I'd ever known. He truly believed what he preached. He passed in the mid-2000s. He is missed very much. Legendary in my life.

Dr. T. J. Baltimore - The late pastor of People's Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD. In my mind, he's one of the legends of our 2nd National Ketoctan Baptist Association. He succeeded Dr. White as moderator. He was a well-learned man, who championed education.

Vanessa - I cannot remember her last name right now, but she was my "desk neighbor" at my job for a couple of years. I'd see her when she arrived early in the mornings. Always said, "Good morning," then went about our days. Sometimes, we'd share a laugh. A couple of years ago, she was missing from my morning routine for some days, when we soon discovered that she'd passed. As I'm typing this now, I can look over and see her desk. Still empty. May she rest in peace.

Cynthia Vanderpool - The late wife of Michael Vanderpool, attorney and founder of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, in Manassas. When I came to VFN as a temp in 2005, she was warm and supportive. Acting as HR, she was enthusiastic about having me join them as a permanent employee, after temping for 1 week. After a month of "file clerking," she approached me about being promoted to post-closing. Later that year I did a show, called "Kingdom," with the African-Continuum Theatre Co.  She was so excited. Not only did she come to support the show, Mr. Vanderpool, and 2 other assistants came. I don't think it was even 3 months later, when Mrs. Vanderpool passed. We were all devastated. She and Mr. Vanderpool were a wonderful couple. I will always remember her incredible spirit.

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I may have to return to this post and update it as time goes on. I know there are people that I'm forgetting. Blame my mind.

For everyone listed here, I just want to thank you for everything that we've shared, whether it was a "good morning" or infecting me with your love for movies, know that I appreciate it all.  I just hope that I can be half the example.

To "Grandma Nanny," I'm too selfish to ever let you fully rest in peace. Thanks for tagging along over the years. :)

Love you,

"That Ugly Thing"