imjustdrew

You Karens just love to antagonize, analyze and criticize. It’s as if there is nothing better nor good to say. Even Jesus didn’t have 100% approval. Why can’t these folks go about their day? What is wrong here? I just want to work and live. Every move I make is under scrutiny. Someone needs to stop before there’s a mutiny. This isn’t the old men from the Muppets. This also isn’t a slaveship not a bunch of puppets. I invite anyone to see how it is from my end. Wear my shoes. Ease up on the boos. It’s a lot of work and effort to do what I do. Unless you can relate, there’s nothing to say. Try it another day

There is a void, a whole. I feel emptiness like the bottom of a bowl. I miss my friend, cook, counselor, my heart. I didn’t know it would be this dark. I’m so thankful for you that is there. You who calls, texts, visits, sends gifts and stuff. Your presence isn’t merely fluff. I’m thankful that you stood in the gap. I love it no cap. I love to go where it’s like a big hug. There is a huge welcome rug. I used to hate those but now they’re my lifeline. The fence is still going up but there is an open door. I will need pet sitters, counselors, friends, hugs, listening ears and fun folk. I know they won’t bust like an egg yolk. Thank you for those I know will be there long term and until I go. You filled the space and kept a smooth flow.

You prepared me for every aspect of life you knew about. Heartbreak, debt, bills, working, parenthood, hope and doubt. You were always there by my side. I always had you in which to confide. You prepared me even with after life affairs and your plans. I even have tons of veggies and beans in cans. I was ready except for how to grieve and live without you. Hearing your voice daily, talking to you, getting my hug. I do know to keep the house clean and vacuum that rug. I’m getting a lot of things done you wanted. I know I’ll press on but unsure what the process looks like. These problems can’t be solved with a brisk hike. I have resources for living, memories and stories. Your legacy will not perish. Your spirit will flourish. I want to feel you more. It’s a daily battle. All I can do is stay on the saddle. I want you here but God needed you more. We are all borrowed and lent. You served your purpose from which you were sent. I will still love and miss you. You were the glue and life of the property and ring. I will live my life until I see you again and sing. The quiet parts are hard.  I will stay busy, active  and lively. I can see the angels sent for comfort. I want you back and now I will settle for life after your passing. I can’t wait to meet you again and I want to live life well so I will see you again.

I needed an influence to make me into a man, you stepped up. I needed food and shelter, you stood up for me. I was bullied, you went to the school and dared anyone to mess with me. You stood in that gap for me. You stuck with me through my hopes and dreams. I pursued and completed 2 degrees all while you cheered me on. You stepped up to the plate and didn’t miss a moment. You cared for me when I was hurt and injured even if you couldn’t walk. You drove me half of my life and when I couldn’t walk. You cooked, made tea and biscuits, one meal a week at least and kept up your home. You’re always the one that when no one else will, you stood. I feel like you know your time is up, that’s why the Lord took your breath and your voice. I hope to hear it one last time but I will forever remember you stood. Your legacy will continue to stand.

Oh yess dear! The time is near. The mic is mine. Everyone please be kind. I need things to move slow. The intensity is wild, but here I go. I am applying all I know. Pressure is here and I also apply that. We will go tit for that. I will not bow down. The frown is upside down. I am confident this will succeed and I will win. To me, losing is a lesson and a sin. The time is now and here. I definitely see and hear. I can’t wait, I must act. This isn’t Call Of Duty or another game. I have to perform or I’ll be a lame. Fire come forward and be tamed. Victory belongs to me. I will succeed glad fully. Some were worried, I was not. This has to be broken up into steps, definitely a lot. I will finish this race. I have the knowledge, learned my lessons and will control my pace.

I’m here in the rain. Sunshine, clouds thorough the pain. I’m not giving in. I know what lies within. I may not know the journey but definitely the goal. It’s 300 when you bowl. Batting 1.000 in baseball, in football a shutout. I intend to progress and improve. I want to catch my groove. Transition is often a constant. Everything you have can be taken in an instant. Forget the wives tales and myths, it’s time to find a way to get it done. You still have more left in your run. I may bend but I won’t break. Sometimes it’s hard, others time it’s cake. I like playing with house money. Everything can be fun but not funny. I will stand toe to toe and keep moving. I will continue to be grooving

I remember once upon a time a baby shower was simply for women where the expectant mother, female friends and family gathered with food, gifts for the child and parent and even played games. No men were allowed nor even participated. I recall my mom hosting a baby shower for my cousin while I was in college. I was home that weekend and studied in my room.

Present day: baby showers are more co-ed and inclusive. They can be like cookouts and family reunions. Modern mothers and planners have made them more into fun events than simply women gathering. It’s great for the father and his friends also.

We are trying to stay societal norms and bring back the presence of two parent households and I think this is an awesome way. Plus this is a great way to showcase what I discuss with the #imjustdrew brand far as connecting and staying plugged in. I honestly don’t get upset if I don’t get invited but I do love it due to the energy, vibe, celebration of a new life and the food.

Therefore if you don’t think I would come to your baby shower, you’re wrong. Please send me the details and the link if you’re registered. I’m likely buying wipes anyways but if you desire something else, that’s fine also. I’m here to help and be a friend!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

There is a lot to be said about how pain brings folks together. I didn’t realize there was another community out there that caters and listens to folks that have suffered serious injuries such as mine.

I’m aware of similar in the sporting world but they happen in everyday life as well. I have heard compelling stories from many that I interact with daily. They are all filled with pain, redemption and appreciation for being able to perform the small tasks such as walking unassisted and driving yourself. I also see a need as many struggle to find folks to help them with their daily activities and the road to normalcy is a rocky one.

My advice is from a limited gage so I will keep it simple. Be patient, listen to your doctors, limit who you inform but ensure all of the important people in your life know of your condition. Take it slow getting back out there, set a plan (daily and weekly for your life). Look into some sort of therapy for your physical and mental. Many find it’s a different world out there but the world hasn’t stopped moving. Just find your metaphorical footing, get into a routine and cadence, have mentors and outlets and things can be better.

I just realized I wrote all of that as I do my poems but that’s OK. I made my point and I want to be there for others as they were for me during my dark times.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I live my live happy and free. No bondage nor shackles and chains. The sunshine is always better after it rains. I have all of my rest and can be fashionably late. Some things can definitely wait. I can just not think in a world of meetings and lists. Currently it’s all peace and bliss. I love this moment. I wish it were in cement. Music, eating good and sleep. It’s all fun and nothing deep.

I realize I am the one to criticize an event or gathering when it’s not first class nor advertised well. I’ve seen a plethora of events with heavy attendance from the Black community be first class and top tier.

These events include those by Diamond South Events, Dreamers Entertainment, Diner en Blanc and now the Bruh Mentor Sneaker Ball.

I personally needed the latter and not just because I missed last year’s event. It was the first large scale event I have attended since my injury. I was so happy to see people I knew and they felt the same way. This event definitely falls into the creme boulee category in that you must experience it. You had the 360 booth, 3 full bars, DJ, huge dance floor, free parking and food trucks. It checks many boxes for me as an event.

I have a few events annually that I must attend and now I add the Bruh Mentor SneakerBall Gala to this list. I may have found out late but now I know and want to continue to attend and contribute to the organization annually. SneakerBall Galas are becoming more of a thing now just like color and other such theme parties.

It’s definitely an added plus that people of color can come together and it doesn’t involve death nor drama. I will not speak highly of an event that isn’t top notch as I’ve attended many events throughout my life. It’s important to have these in your life not just for the social and networking purpose but also for your mental health. This is the best I’ve felt in a while and I want it to carry into March and the next event I attend.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #SneakerBallGala2023 #BruhMentor