Appreciation to the Queens of My Life

The women that are in my life may not be many, but they love & respect me despite my faults because they know my heart. So I would like to express my appreciation to them.

It's only right I start with my mother Linda where my life began. I am her first born and I like to think we will always share a special bond. I've seen the tale of two faces within my mother. The beauty & tenderness, all qualities a mother should have, but I've also seen the evil side that comes from the street life she knows all too well. Through the years it's been all type of craziness in our lives, but we've maintained a closeness despite her drama and my incarceration. I haven't hugged or seen her in person in over 19 years. Fortunately, we're able to still converse about life and its possibilities. Aside from giving me life, I appreciate that the MOST about my mother.

Then there's the love of my life, my grandmother Elnoria. This woman has a gentleness of spirit I've never known before. Even when the worst was said about me, her love never wavered. She took me into her home at 16, and that's when our bond began. She tried to show me a different way of life by introducing me to God, I was already deeply influenced by the street life so a lot of things I couldn't see then. The things we keep in our heads... I remember the smile on her face the day I was baptized, along with the words she used to say trying to keep me focused. I appreciated everything she did for me, but what I appreciate the most is her introducing me to the Lord.

My heart is divided between my two aunties. First there's Dee-Dee. I like to believe I get my drive to reach out for something better from her. This woman has raised four kids, held down jobs and attained a master's degree. I am truly proud of her. Then there's Janet, we have a brother-sister type of closeness. If I need to talk about life or just need to laugh, she's my girl and I appreciate them deeply for their understanding and love.

Lastly to all the women who have come and gone in my life (dark entries) I like to call them. I want to say I've learned something from all of y'all along the way. I've gained so much respect & appreciation for the female species. I used to only know how to please a woman sexually, though some were really special to me, but I admit I wasn't mature enough to express myself emotionally (how foolish). The queen that captures my heart in the future will get one helluva man. Today I am a better man, a grown man that's not afraid to listen and capable of expressing myself, but most importantly I now know how to appreciate something beautiful.

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Until next time,

Anthony