When I think about my granddad

I can say nothing with malice or bad

He is a man who continues to wage wars

Everyday, for the victory of a soul

Unconcerned with benefits of silver or gold

He is a man that keeps a song in his heart

And a skip in his step

You all remember that James Brown, bent knee, routine

While preaching on Sundays, on the alter steps

Well I do…(smile)

He survived injury

And taught me that God never guarantees

Tomorrow

So I smile for the moments given

And appreciate today

Singing and preaching Psalms that speak of unity

And illustrating the glories of faith in divinity

Though modest he spares no expense for family

There to welcome, celebrate, and marvel at the three generations that proceed

And I thankfully had the honor of you baptizing me

You live to celebrate generational anniversaries

I still can remember how lovingly you smiled and held me

Then how exponentially

That love grows as you ceaselessly

Received each birth following me

Even though I don’t remember the homecoming ceremony

For Great Grandma Dean

I remember how lovely but sorrow filled and lonely

Your eyes appeared as you held her hand

Showing me how important “til death do us part” should be to a man

A lesson we all took and applied to life endlessly

And even though at times, weary and back broken

We make it successfully

You strategically planted a little seed of your appreciation of arts, intelligence, and humanitarian spirit within each generation

So we continue to breed

And nurture, pieces of the man known as Herman E. Dean

We set to educate, all willing to learn

But Great Grandmother taught us that when we do so we must be stern

Because discipline and structure requires respect

And a failure to be obedient may result in a momentary death (lol…joking)

I love the irreplaceable memories you have given me

And Great Grandmother Dean because without you two

There would be no us or me

So as a dedication from your branch of the family tree

The Benebys, Absoluts, Campbells, Jones, Pratts and Deans

Thank you!

Thank you for your smiles, your tears

Your support and strength

The hugs and your undying love

Thank you

To you, from us, with love.