Hotep,
The pride of a grandparent, it’s an emotion elusive to my
day-to-day existence. That is; until the
day you took your first breath.
“Jessica had the Baby.” Four words that pushed my chest
forward; my shoulders back; and angled my head to the sky. Four words that will be a gift that continues
to give to the generations of Manns to come.
Feel me?
It escapes me how the first five years of your life is
already a landmark in my own. Where has
the time gone, Lil’ Mann? To be
perfectly honest, I don’t even understand this pride I feel as a
grandparent. I can only attest to the
feeling being very similar to being in love for the very first time. Wow!! Believe me; that’s a feeling you’ll
never shake Lil’ Mann. SMH
I find myself constantly thinking of ways to assist in the
cultivation of that beautiful sponge between your ears. You should have started kindergarten a couple
of weeks ago, so reading this isn’t far behind.
It may be some time before you realize you’re reading much more than
words, but what’s most important is that you’ll know this expression is an
eternal connection between you and I.
Son of my son, this is a connections that makes the hardest of men
unashamed of shedding a tear. This is a
connection that pulls the heartstrings of strangers, while solidifying our
connection to those closest to us.
Daveante E. Mann, Jr., son of my son, you are destined for
greatness. You’ve impacted so many lives
in so little time, that I have no other choice but to expect great things from
you. Greatness begins with its
believer. Set the bar high for yourself,
and exceed your own expectations.
Greatness comes from within, Lil’ Mann.
Ya heard?
Now, I know this concept may be a little deep for a 5 year
old to ingest. Or is it? Well, nothing beats a failure, but a
try. I’m a believer in your greatness
Lil’ Mann. I trust that this expression
will somehow influence the good that’s already a part of your make-up. It’s up to you to turn it into something
great. Na mean?
You’ve been a blessing to me, for the past 5 years. So, it’s only right that I leave you a word
of immortality for each year: “Jessica
had the Baby. Hallelujah!!” Happy
birthday, Lil’ Mann!!
Always 100,
MannofStat, a.k.a., G-Dad
Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann
How sweet he reminds me of you when you were that age! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I think I still have one of those pictures and if I find it I shall send it to you! Be Bless!
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