FOUND - MOMMY

Her name was Jacqueline.

My mother would have been 56 today. Her life was cut short by a car accident that took place one month before her 24th birthday. My heart was broken. Even at 7, I knew what a loss this would be to my brothers and me. The family was a mess and a custody battle came afterwards. My life has never been the same. Losing the one person whose wisdom and guidance would have made me a better man. I was a loner for a long time. Trying to fill this void with my Grandmothers but, still feeling empty. I disconnected from my family for fear of losing them. It was not until my 23rd birthday that I realized that my mother was here to bring three wonderful boys into the world and, when she did that, she was called home. At 23, I realized that I was given the gift of life and I was not going to waste it. Shortly, I would form a theatre company, later, a media/consulting company. All of those entities showcased who I was and what I could offer the world. I stepped up to leadership roles and no matter how many told me I was less than, I challenged them ever step of the way. I know my mother would be proud of the man I have become. I know she did not waste her time here on earth. I look just like her. My grandmother would say, “You look like Jackie spit you out”. My mother walks with me when I am alone. She watches over me and keeps me safe. She gives me the confidence to go after what I want. Even though she is not physically here with me, I know she would have been/is proud of me. I love you, Mommy. I would have loved to share my 40th with you. Life had other plans for us but, I know that we will be together again someday. I see you in me everyday. I work to make you proud of me in every way. I thank god for charging you with bringing Tyrone Jacobs, Thomas Dent Jr. and me into the world. Mommy, I love you. Mommy, we love you. Happy Birthday.