“He didn’t make it…..” The words I heard on the phone from my mom. February 4, 2012 started out as a typical Saturday for me but I could sense something was wrong. I was attending Northern VA Community College at the time and had a class and shortly after my class received a text from my sister stating my dad was on his way to Cleveland, OH to visit my grandmother & sick great grandfather. In my mind I thought everything was okay and didn’t realize that this day was going to be a long one. Later on in the evening I was planning to go to Stonewall Jackson High School Girl’s Basketball Regional Final against Forest Park High School. Before the game however, my baby sister who was 6 decided to eat some old food and ended up getting sick and my mom had to rush to the store to get her something to settle her stomach. My mind at this point was racing because I wanted my sister to be okay and needed to know that my dad was in Cleveland. I was able to go to the game and was sitting with some friends. It was a tight game throughout until Forest Park had a 6 point lead and began to build on it. In the 3rd quarter my phone rang and it was my mom all I heard her say was he didn’t make it and I immediately knew what that meant. I broke down and my sister took the phone, I couldn’t speak but was able to tell my friend’s uncle that my great grandfather had passed away. It was the most heartbreaking loss I had ever felt since the loss of my brother. The hardest part about hearing this news was that I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye and all I had now were the endless memories. Basketball ended up being the comfort that I needed to help keep the loss of my mind. Forest Park ended up winning the game but someone I loved and was close to was gone forever. The next few days ended up being the hardest due funeral arrangements and studying for a final exam. In this difficult time I knew had to be strong and remember all the good times. One of my favorite memories was the stories my gran-daddy harris would tell or just him cooking in the kitchen. He loved making catfish as well as growing his on vegetables in his garden. If that’s the one thing I miss the most is spending time with him. He knew his sports too! We could watch games together and he could know what was going on but shortly after his stroke he stopped cooking and telling stories. I miss him so much but whenever I watch a game, I always remember where I was when I found out that he died. Although this blog is a sad one, it gives me a chance to share some of my personal memories with you.I hope you have a good week<3
