Sweet, Sweet Handsome Harlem Man

Where have you gone? Heaven bound so many years ago.

Do you remember the Zoot Suited Dandies frequenting Small’s Paradise.

The Elegant Sophisticated Ladies Swing Dancing on the A Train with Duke Ellington.

Air Force Bridge to Wright Patterson A.F.B.

Robert Fletcher bridge to your small town Woman.

A Wedding scarce. A Marriage solid.

Hearts conjoined for 40 years.

Opening the treasure of Dad’s old trunk I Lindy-Hopped eons into the Harlem Renaissance.

Sweet Sweet Harlem Man.

Me and Dad

Every time I listen to this song tears come to my eyes. Yes Lord if only I could dance with my father again. One day in Heaven we shall dance together for eternity.

Sunday is Father’s Day here in the United States I want to give a shout-out to All Fathers out there but I especially want to focus on Black and Hispanic Fathers because they get a bad rap in the media and society. Thanks go out to All Men of Color raising and Loving their children. Guys you don’t get enough Thanks. Know that you are appreciated! Despite what society says, Most in fact the majority of Black and Hispanic Men I know go the extra mile for their children whether or not they are with the children’s mother. I see their sacrifice.

Our Father Edward Gordon Palmer was the best Dad that any child could have. Our success in life. Who we are as people was very much shaped by our Dad. A Provider. A Protector. Everything that a Man should be. Teacher. Playmate. Our spiritual Guide.

Much of what Luther Vandross sings in Dance with My Father again really happened for Stephen and me. Dancing with Daddy. Daddy carrying us upstairs to our beds after the Drive-in movie. Daddy telling me What did you mother just tell you to do.

Daddy, Stephen and I miss you so very much. We long to Dance with you once again. When we get to Heaven we will run to into you and Mommy’s arms. Then once again the circle shall be unbroken. We shall be reunited. Until then tears are my portion.

Thank you Daddy! Happy Father’s Day in Heaven!

Your children,

DeBorah and Stephen.

My Dad Edward G. Palmer

Edward Gordon Palmer ~~ Feb. 11, 1930 to May 13, 1995

““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. ²In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴And you know the way to where I am going.” ⁵Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:1-6

“…and the time of my departure has come.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me
the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me
but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6b-8