Photographs

Kin,

Have been in mad search of photographs from my time lived in the Military. While doing this I have touched and seen life times of photographs…

...my Dear God, the photographs I have seen. Places revisited. Places visited and lived. I say, Folks, the so many of Kinfolk, Kindred and all Relations having Crossed My Path.

I crossed paths with my Tia Sylvia, decades ago. She is She-Who-Walks-Tall’s Aunt. Who, in my mind means she has been my Tia Sylvia, all of these years. Please, our paths crossed before Brenda, aka She-Who-Walks-Tall and I, began our beautiful Path to where we are today. Photographs of Tia in her kitchen. With Tio and my cousins.

I was certain on this past Saturday, when we had our gathering, photographs would be taken. Yet - for whatever reason, I felt it was necessary for me to bring the subject of taking photographs up. I had with purpose left three old photo albums out for Folks viewing pleasure.

You see, I quess I wanted photographs of our gathering! I wanted something I could touch. Something to remind me of the time Tia and I shared the same air. I think I am thinking and feel like I did when my father went through the different stages of cancer. The last and final stage. when my sisters and I saw our father cross over. My heart is sad and my Spirit's cry for what it is you are going through, Tia. Now, and for the fucking years of pain you have suffered.

And, I cry now, Tia Sylvia. My Spirit's know you are preparing. I am moved, as I know you prepare to visit with your Mom...

...knowing you prepare to meet Jesus.

I cry because this is not a right thing to happen to such an awesome Woman, Aunt, Mom, Wife and Friend. Tia Sylvia, you have been much more of an Aunt to me than some I know. Those who have same blood as me and are of Kin, seem to have loved me with considerations. You have not. This is not to slam or belittle, it’s simply to pass along a matter of fact. Truth.

I have come across fantastic photograph albums of my Bride and I. Photographs from before our children, all of those years during our lives, and our present day to day's. My Very-Best-Good-Dear-Friend, Brenda. We have pounds and pounds of photographs of our two wonderful, beautiful and extraordinary daughters. From their birth’s to the present. I say this as such, because this digital stuff killed all of my old cameras. Life's Circles, I reckon.

My eye orbs have seen the beautiful faces of my brothers and sisters as we were when children. As we all grew and grow. My Great Spirit, what different a place. The shit we were put through. Some more than others. As I have noticed how handsome and cute I was as a child, teen and young man dressed in his Military finest.

It was in one of these photograph albums my orbs laid eyes on the photographs of the life that has come and gone by. The life as a Victim. Today, I live and walk a different Path.

I will forever remember Christmas at your house all of those years ago. I will always remember your love, strength and integrity. I know in my Spirit’s that you, my Tia Sylvia, have walked yours and continue on a good way to go yet. Please, we must have our Paths cross again soon.

My dear Tia Sylvia, I love you.

St. Lazaro is lit with the beautiful photograph of you and Tio Eddie next to it.

Tia, thank you for that beautiful...

...photograph.