I Remember You, Do You Remember Me?

January 6, 2013

Hi, remember me?
                I was two years old when we last saw each other. I have hazel green eyes, brown with light brown streaked hair, and many features in a face that clearly resembles your own. From what Daddy says, the very same look in my eyes, as you did. I am the child who lived in a big family. Two sisters and me. Then, it became three, me, my Mommy, and my Daddy everyday. I am the baby who crawled with one leg on the ground and the other one walking, remember?  The child who made you so proud when we sang our ABC's together. I am the baby who watched my Daddy go to work nearly every single day, while you  took care of me, India, and Jazmine, with Alyssia in your belly. I am your third daughter. I loved the color pink, and spaghetti and meatballs, I was the one who used to stand at the age of one, even though I couldn't walk, yet. My first word was Daddy. I am the baby who he drove to Bay View Hospital, on a stormy July sixth night as you caressed me in your stomach, while telling Daddy it was too far to drive to Franklin Square to have me.  Daddy's first child. The one who traveled on a greyhound bus to Brooklyn, N.Y. alone with him to meet his Mommy, before she died, my namesake in her hospital room when I was only 3 months of age. I spent two years of my life with you and two years of my life missing you.

 Do you remember the first day I walked? In front of Jazmines school? They were having a picnic on Dundalk Elementary's lawn for the 1st graders. I was afraid to walk on the hard surface of floors in our house; fearing the pain of falling. We didn't have carpets and the rugs were to thin. I was introduced to soft grass and dirt that day, the fear was gone. I took a shot; and I did walk. Five consecutive steps that afternoon. Daddy recorded that moment. We watch it sometimes. It's in his collection, along with countless photos and videos of us as babies. Daddy said he doesn't want us to grow up without remembering what's important. People tend to forget what's important, don't you think?  Daddy also says, "only the uneducated can forget what matters most and only the foolish think they can forget." Do you remember how Daddy was? The over thinker? I'm sure you haven't forgot. It hasn't changed-it's even worse. Remember when he said he would read The 48 Laws Of Power to us as we slept? I've heard Daddy talk a great deal about a book called Mastery, the next muse I suppose. I'm happy to have him around, I couldn't imagine life without him.

 We learn so much;Alyssia and I. It is mainly through Daddy's guidance-and a little of my own common sense-that I have come to a few conclusions during my life, thus far..... I am a wonderful person. I am a beautiful human being. I am somebody. I am the future. I am my own worse enemy. I changed my favorite color to red. I love spaghetti and meatballs more than ever. I can count to twenty. I recognize all the letters in the alphabet, pronounce the sounds they make, and I can even write them on our chalkboard or on paper. I start kindergarten in September. I will read before the summer. I still walk on my toes. I have long beautiful hair. I have manners and will correct anyone on theirs. I like to boss other children around. I have feelings. I talk to much. Not enough for Daddy. I love my sisters, I know who they are. I am the daughter of a man who has never left my side. I am great. I have nothing to worry about. I am loved and never will I doubt this. Daddy proves this with his meals-he loves to cook- to fill our stomachs, his deep thoughts to feed our minds, his high level of cleanliness of our cloths, body, and teeth, his humor to refresh our souls with laughter, his singing to boost our spirits, his motivation; to inspire the same, his confidence; so we never second guess ourselves, his light to brighten our future; so we can see the way, and most importantly; his heart.

 It's been so long since I've last seen your face. I ask Daddy where you are and so does Alyssia. All we ever get, with affliction is "Mommy's working. You'll see her someday". Daddy has all the answers except-for some reason-that one. I was wondering if you can look me in the eyes,identical to the pair you see in the mirror, hold both my hands, and tell me...Honestly?
Where you've been and what you've been doing?, where you work and live?, why haven't we seen you?, is Daddy telling us the truth about you working?, when will I see you again?, and what you're thinking as you read this?, I have one more question to ask because I love you.....
Do you remember me? I remember you.