Just about all of us have been conditioned to see balloons as an indicator of festivity, but, on this occasion, I held my balloon in silent reverence while quietly watching the couple in front of me. Our two families had met under some extremely challenging circumstances. Our bond was forged in a NICU waiting room. [...]
Category: Family
A Stitch In Time Makes Nine
Yesterday, June 6, 2018, Lhorraine and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary. The topic of our upcoming anniversary had come up on a few occasions. Primarily because we wanted to hear each other's expectations for the day. Even with our son laying in neonatal intensive care, we didn't want the accomplishment of making it nine [...]
A Jesher-sized Hole
I had an inaugural experience that I must share! I got home-sick because I began missing my son. In all transparency, I didn't think this could happen to me. Previously, there was only one human that could cause my heart to throb in this way--my wife Lhorraine. Outside of her, only inanimate amenities could affect [...]
Who Does Jesher Look Like?
There is a running debate going among Jesher's nurses. The discussion isn't volatile or abrasive; however, it is spirited. I personally think they are about one week away from setting the odds and accepting wagers. The controversy is rising! The dispute is growing! At the center of the discourse is Jesher's face and one intriguing [...]
An Empathetic Mother’s Day
"Happy Mother's Day!" greeted the wide-eyed receptionist. I cringed a bit because I knew her enthusiasm for the day far out-weighed my wife's enthusiasm for the occasion. "Are you going to hold him as your own personal gift to yourself?" another nurse chimed, matching the eagerness exhibited by the first. They were both smiling ear-to-ear; [...]
Mama, Me, & The NBA
From my earliest memories, I have always loved the National Basketball Association [NBA]. I can remember rooting for Michael Jordan as he struggled against the "Bad Boy" Pistons. I remember transitioning from "Air" Jordan to Clyde "the glide" Drexler, wanting him to finally win a championship. I remember being amazed by the clutch, three-point shooting [...]
A Fighting Legacy
My grandfather introduced me to the sport of boxing in 1988. At the age of five, grandpa, also known as Command Sergeant Major Edward L. Polite, allowed me to snuggle up to him as he took in a week-day telecast of World Championship Boxing. Hearns vs Leonard 1 was playing on television, and I made [...]
Bedtime Stories
I read to Jesher every night before leaving the hospital. At his age (now 30 weeks), it is not clear whether or not he notices; however, I am adamant about maintaining this custom. Not only will it help me form good habits, but it also helps me get a sweet sample of being a dad. [...]
The Warrior Behind Our Warrior
I've never seen it before, and it is impossible for me to ever see it again. It is a once in a lifetime experience. I saw my wife hold our first child for the first time. During this momentous occasion, I decided to read Jesher the award winning children's book Last Stop on Market Street. I [...]