Heavy dark blues…the kind that serves no purpose but to weigh a person down begin to settle on me, just as I start to hear the house come alive with activity. Auntie Sophia and her husband, Duane, arrived very early in the morning. I leave my bedroom as I hear them moving around in the kitchen and front room.
I give my dad’s younger sister a big hug before grabbing a plate to keep the hunger pangs at bay.
Sophia: Looks like you have a stowaway. When are you due?
I haven’t really thought about due dates or anything beyond the now with so much going on. Everything else, including actually bringing a baby into this world, is lost in a sea of muddy colors that I suppress as much as I can. But, I answer the best way I know how.
Prosperity: Too soon and not soon enough, I guess.
Auntie Sophia nods as if she gets exactly what I mean. Our conversation doesn’t go beyond that as Pop-pop enters the room, and Auntie Sophia gets up to greet him.
Quincy Sr.: There’s my baby girl!
Pop-pop seems more animated than I’ve seen him over the past few days as he chats with his youngest child. Aunt Sophia’s husband Duane sits down at the table with Merit and I, holding a plate of his own.
Prosperity: You’re not wearing black to the memorial?
Duane: It’s Sulani tradition to dress in colorful clothing during a home going.
Prosperity: You’re from here?
Duane: Yes, born, and raised. I met your Auntie Sophia during one of their summer visits here.
I consider wearing something other than black myself until I remember that Gran Alice was always more traditional and would most definitely expect us to all be wearing black for her memorial.
I finish up my breakfast, then push away from the table to go and get ready. By the time I return to the kitchen, mama and daddy have made their way to the table. After everyone has eaten, we get ready to leave for the cemetery.
It’s an incredibly dreary day, which perfectly mirrors the general mood as we all gather in front of the Journey’s End Memorial Gardens. Pop-pop wants to say a few words in remembrance of his wife. We all sit and listen as he shares stories about how they met and their journey as a married couple. We stare at a coffin that gives us something to focus on but does not contain her remains. My mind wanders as I wonder who’s in the coffin and if they’ve ever made any mistakes as huge as my own.
After Pop-pop’s speech, we follow him to the tomb, Gran’s final resting place. We allow Pop-pop, daddy, and Aunt Sophia some time to say goodbye and mourn their wife and mother. Seeing Pop-pop’s picture there next to hers brings even more tears, reminding everyone that it’s only a matter of time before he’ll be joining her.
Mama, Duane, and I wait patiently for our chance to say goodbye. After some time, daddy, Aunt Sophia, and Pop-pop leave the tomb. Mama steps in for a moment to say her final words to Gran Alice. Finally, it’s my turn. I step inside the tomb and close the door behind me. I spend some time staring at her picture. Her expression appears to be asking, “What are your plans now, child?” My eyes flicker down to the urn.
Prosperity: Don’t worry, Gran. I’ll make this right. I promise that I’ll take advantage of my opportunities from now on. If it’s not too late, I’ll go to Britechester and earn my degree. I promise that I’ll make you proud.
I can almost hear her next words. “You’ve chosen a tough path. And you can’t allow past hurts and anger to hold you back. You need to forgive and move on.”
Prosperity: I know Gran…and I will. I promise. I love you, and I’ll miss you!
I leave the tomb and spot daddy sitting in one of the chairs in front of the coffin. I take my Gran’s words to heart. Forgiveness starts now.
I sit down next to him, but we remain quiet for a while. Finally, I turn to him…
Prosperity: I understand why you did what you did.
His face lights up, relieved.
Quincy Jr.: You do?
Prosperity: And I’m not mad about it anymore. There’s no time for that. I have a baby to prepare for, and I’m going to need you and mama’s help more than ever.
Quincy Jr.: We’ll always be there for you. You know that, right?
Prosperity: Yes
Quincy Jr.: Are you coming back to Oasis Springs with us?
Prosperity: No, I’m going to stay here and look after Pop-pop until the baby is born. Then I’m going to look for a place for us in Britechester. I’m going to earn my degree.
Quincy Jr.: What about Byron and Craig?
Prosperity: I have no choice but to break it off with Byron. And Craig…I’ll give him a chance to be involved in his child’s life if he wants to be, but I’m not going to sit around hoping. I’ll do this on my own if I have to.
Quincy Jr.: You’ll never be completely alone. Your mama and I are only a plane ride or phone call away.
I smile because I know it’s completely true.
Prosperity: Thank you, daddy.
(Generation 2 Chapter Summaries)
