"A LETTER TO MY FATHER"

On May 3, 1978, on a Wednesday I'm aware of how your life was altered, and I'm very grateful that you're my father. A girl—a pretty girl, if I do say so myself. I have to tell jokes you know, I figured I'd start with one! Since you usually have something funny to say, and you always have me cracking up!

We have to deal with every issue in life, including the serious ones from time to time. Daddy, me, and you our ideas of humor the reason I adore you so much. Acting like Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy I'm able to tell you anything that's on my mind. And every situation in life sometimes, has to be humorous!

I adore you so much, Daddy. Writing this letter to you wasn't difficult you always gave me permission, to be honest with you at all times regardless of the situation. Good or bad, I figured I would write, and tell you something that I haven't addressed to you, but I feel you should know. You were the first man, that I ever loved daddy!

When you moved to the other side of the country, and I waved at you from the Greyhound bus, I was 11 years old. I had no idea that it would be another 11 years before I heard your voice, saw your face, tasted one of those delicious cheeseburgers, or smelled the overpowering scent of eternity cologne that you loved. You planned to call me when you arrived in Marietta, Georgia. Sometimes things fall short, of what we plan to do. I still love you, Daddy!

I'll forever love you, Daddy.

When your mother passed away when I was 14 years old, I prayed that you would enter the doors to attend the funeral. I kept repeating in my head, "He wouldn't miss this, It's impossible, he'll be here"! I understand, you were informed too late of her passing, and no one knew your address, so you missed that significant period in our lives. Nevertheless, daddy, I want you to know that I still love you.

I was 16, when I beame pregnant with your grandson, Shay 'Vione. He was such an adorable baby Daddy, I'm sorry ; I never intended to let you down. I worked incredibly hard to pass all of my classes, attend summer school, and earn extra credit, so I could walk across the stage with my high school class, "Class of 1996" Kalamazoo Central High School.

Most of my credits came from participating in the program created by Derek Jeter, of the New York Yankees. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central also.

At the age of 18, I was raped Daddy, He took full advantage of the situation, something I'll never forget. The healing process took over six months, my face was unrecognizable, I couldn't sleep for almost a year, waking up dripping in sweat, crying wishing for your protection. Every girl needs her daddy, yet I still love you.

" Mommy was here for me, despite the drug abuse I always thank her for being here"! .

I tried to remember all the boxing you taught me! Daddy, sometimes you have to laugh to avoid the crys, and tears! Remember, I was Muhammad Ali and you were Joe Frazier, I laugh when I think about all the fun times we had together.

He was convicted, I picked him out of a lineup. That Monster is currently serving 35 to 60 years in a Michigan prison, Bastard!

Daddy, I got away, unfortunate two other young ladies weren't as lucky, sexually abused, tortured, and murdered. It hurts to know,that their lives were cut short, and that he took it from them, Dam Monster!

When I finally did have the opportunity to see you again, I was 22 years old. Daddy, I still adored you. As I entered the rehabilitation center, and saw that you had lost both legs, I could see the embarrassment on your face!

You never called, no postcard, nothing! For eleven years, no holidays or birthdays. The first year you returned to Michigan, I still loved you and hoped you would enjoy staying with me and your grandchild, I wanted you to know, I had forgiven you!

You never enjoyed living in this small town of a zoo, but dad sometimes we have limited choices!

When I called you on November 24th, you told me that you were exhausted and overwhelmed. Attending dialysis, four times per week, and it was becoming depressing. Without a doubt, I would have set it up for you to move closer to us. You were never a burden Daddy, I love you!

Calling you repeatedly, and receiving no response that was so selfish of you. You know I would do anything to uplift your spirit! Ronnie called me on November 29th, she informed me that she had discovered your death, three days, alone in your bedroom. You passed away, left me again Daddy, but I knew you had found your peace!!

I arrived on time, met your friends,  had the opportunity to witness the good things that your heart desired and loved in your last days. You were truly loved by many, Daddy! 

Tell Grandma that I miss her deeply, and Daddy I'll always love you! I know you appreciate every single one of my achievements of art, which makes me grateful and content. I adore you, Daddy!!

After 20 years as an artist, in my opinion the best abstract artist in Michigan! Your only child, only daughter

                                                                          Love 'Nia Renee