The Legacy Continues
For as long as I could remember (going back about 10 years ago) my Mom would ask, “when am I getting grandkids?” first told her that she was going to be a grandmother, she couldn’t believe it. She was excited. I told her to not post on Facebook until I announced it and she promised not to do so. This didn’t stop her from telling all of her friends though. 😂
A couple of weeks before she passed, I remember telling her it was a boy and even though she didn’t sound excited, I knew she was.
When I got the call from my aunt, I thought she was calling to tell me about my grandad since he was on hospice and living at my mom’s house, but the call was for my mom. I got over to the house and she was gone. A few moments later, my granddad past. In a matter of minutes, my direct bloodline that was alive when from 3 to 1 (4 if you include a year span with my Dad’s passing in December 2019.)
It was all unexpected. I always thought that whenever I had children that they would be able to meet my parents. I was fortunate to meet my Dad’s father and both of my Mom’s parents who I stayed with frequently. I just wish that my son would have had the same experiences as myself.
If you know me, you should know why my son’s name is Jordan Michael. I’m a Bulls fan and Jordan will always be my favorite player. Also it works because we both will have the same initials JMAW.
As far as any expectations as he grows older, I don’t have any. Growing up, I had many expectations from my parents that overwhelmed me if I didn’t satisfy what they expected. I don’t want him to feel as if he needs to live up to any expectations anyone puts on him as long as he is a strong black man on a path of what he will later define as greatness. He will have the capabilities to make sound decisions and I will be there in his corner.
I’m going into fatherhood with a very open mind as I’ve never experienced this before. Even though neither of my parents are not here to see him be born, I am excited to be a father and cannot wait to see how he grows up to make his ancestors proud. The legacy continues.
