Together in Life and into Eternity. As cancer ravaged his body every day he asked for his Beloved. She was first in his mind in the morning and last thought at Night before sleep. Only until Daddy was reassured that the Love of his life would be cared for did he take his final Earthly breath. Then not able to bear her suffering from cancer he begged Jesus to be allowed to escort her home.
On August 1998 Jesus said Yes. Descending into the hospital room Edward said Mable come with me. Taking his hand they ascended towards Home. Passing through the Gates of Heaven at once 25 again. Young, Healthy and in Love.
**Quote from the film Titanic
Daddy
Thanks for reading. No Daddy issue here. Our Dad was everything to us.
I’m committed to changing the negative narrative and stereotypes of Black Men and Black Fathers.
Don’t drink the Koolaid and Don’t believe the hype about Black men pushed by the media. STOP Watching Love and hip hop plus those Stupid Wives TV Shows! Not real life! All Lies! Fake!
For all the Men Who step in when a child’s Father has died. Salute!
Fleeting memories as the sewing box plays, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Little I was and Little did I know that she would return to her beloved sweetheart husband in a future that played out too soon.
Grandma Eva Sophronia Gordon Palmer — Grandmother Music Sewing Box
Grandmother Eva’s Music Sewing Box
Eva Sophronia Gordon Palmer — Grandmother Music Sewing Box
Opening my Grandma Eva’s Musical sewing box and seeing her all over and again. Returning to her apartment in Harlem. An apt that was huge to the 5 year old me. Hearing Grandma give a lighthearted scolding to her son, my Dad. Memories of a Great Day in Harlem with Grandma.
Grandma Eva Sophronia Gordon Palmer — Grandmother Music Sewing Box
Grandmother Eva’s Music Sewing Box
Eva Sophronia Gordon Palmer — Grandmother Music Sewing Box
Each Memory is like a reflection captured within a diamond. Precious. One glance returning you to a pleasant past event repeatedly Looped in Luxury.
Today we Americans Honor and Remember Those Who died in Battle.
Though my ancestors did not die in battle I still Honor their sacrifice.
First My Great, Great Grandfather who being a Free man remembered his sisters and brothers in slavery chains and joined the battle for Freedom.
William Henry Halstead
In December of 1863 my Great Great Grandfather, William Henry Halstead, who lived in Tarrytown, New York, traveled to New Haven, Connecticut to join the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry. On his Volunteer Enlistment papers it notes his occupation as a farmer. He enlisted for three years and was discharged on the 24th day of October 1865. He married and had five children. William Henry Halstead passed away in 1888 and was buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, New York. His wife moved to New York City with her five children. Her children grew up in Harlem and belonged to various organizations such as Odd Fellows, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Daughters of New York.
Edward Gordon Palmer
My Father Edward Gordon Palmer who served in Air Force during the Korean War. Daddy dropped out of City College in New York to enlist in the Air Force. Fortunately My Dad was stationed state side and did not have to go to Korea but I’m still glad he Loved this country enough to volunteer.
Of course I’m also glad that after he ETS’d he went to work at Wright Patterson Air-force Base in Dayton, Ohio, was introduced to and married my Mom Mable Palmer which resulted in myself and Stephen. Obviously I mention my Dad because I Love him and still impressed that despite the fact Black Americans did not have Civil Rights as in every war since the American Revolution Black Americans have always stood up and defended our country always hoping and praying for the Double V. Victory Overseas and Victory at Home.
As most of you already know I too served in the U.S. Army because despite the fact that America does not believe in Black people I still believe in her and what she could and should be for All Americans.
One day the hopes, dreams and prayers of my ancestors will be fulfilled and we will have that Victory at Home.
America My Country! Sweet Land of Liberty! Let Freedom Ring!
If a distant uncle dies and you were always his favorite and leaves you $50,000 (any currency) in his will, what would you do?
Immediately put in for Retirement then Stephen and I would take a nice vacation to the Caribbean. I would donate $2,000 each to both Stephen’s Group Home Residence ~~ QCP and his Day Treatment Center ~~ AABR. I would move forward with establishing AweSome AweTism Adventures featuring Stephen in videos all around New York City and maybe upstate New York.
I would definitely make a $2,000 donation to the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Temple. I’d also be able to volunteer more and just spend more time in a peaceful environment because I’d be a Retired Lady of Leisure!
Find a better place to live because my housing situation is up in the air. No more back to back Double Shifts to survive. Just think I would not have to worry about paying my rent!
Buy a better laptop computer because this one will probably die soon just like what happened to me last year!
Have my own art show. Featuring my photography and Mixed Media Photo Collages. I’m building up lots of canvases but of course no money to rent a place for an art show. If money was no object I would rent out a really nice gallery, cater in great food and even have some live Jazz music. Imagine if I had the money my pipe dreams would come true.
I’d also have a Special Photography Art Show for my Dad Edward G. Palmer. He never got his due when he was alive and I’d do it as a Tribute to a Great Dad and a Great Man. My Dad was a gifted and talented man. I’d find a reliable person to convert those old Kodak Koda Chrome slides from the 1950s to the 1980s to Digital.
Me and Dad
Stephen, Me & Daddy 1977
Daddy Florida 1986
Dad’s 1st car early 1950s. DeBorah Ann Palmer
The King had found his Queen and for 40 years they reigned together.
My Dad Edward G. Palmer
My Dad Edward G. Palmer
I would start doing more self care things for myself like massages, doctor visits, trips to Hawaii, Georgia, Florida & California, spending time at Spas, getting my hair and nails done. Being able to afford to take care of myself would be a Miracle. Now I cancel Doctor’s Appointments because I can’t afford the co-pay. I ignore pains and other health issues. Rest and Relaxation. Mainly All the things that I cannot afford to do now.
It’s All About The Benjamins Baby
It’s All About The Benjamins Baby!!
It’s All About the Benjamins Baby
What sound or sounds do you love?
Sounds of nature. The sound of the tinkling bell at the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Temple. When that is gently rung that signals Chanting. Mostly the Sound of Silence. I’m mostly a Loner and a Solitary. Anytime I must socialize I have panic attacks before the event.
The Sound of Silence (Original Version from 1964)
What’s your middle name? Why?
Ann. Because that’s what my Mother decided. Pretty much All my Baby Boomer female cousins on my Mom’s side have the middle name Ann.
What did you appreciate or what made you smile this past week? Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination.
As the Month of February aka The Love Month comes to an end I Honor the Sweethearts in my Life. My Grandparents William and Eva Palmer who were married for around 50 years and my parents Edward & Mable Palmer who were married for 40 years.
Dearest Sweethearts
Tell Me What Heaven is like
Come to Me in My Dreams and tell me of Paradise!
Are Aunt Helen Garcia and Aunt Thelma still as talkative as they were on earth?
It must be great that you get to see Aunt Helen James, Aunt Gladys, Uncle Clarence, Uncle Willie, Cousin Linda, Cousin Bertie, Grandma Hattie Finney. Tell them how much I miss them. Tell them my world has not been the same since they ascended to God.
Are the streets really paved with gold?
Are there 12 Gates to the City?
And What of Jesus and the Angels?
Oh How I long to be reunited with you once more!
No more pain. No more sorrow. No more hurt. To Leave the cares of this cruel world behind!
I know that I’m just passing through onto a better, richer more rewarding Life.
But one day I too shall take my seat at the Welcome Table! What a Great Day that Shall be!
My Grandmother Eva Sophronia Gordon Palmer
My Grandfather William J. Palmer with some of his children in Mt. Morris aka Marcus Garvey Park
Grandma Eva Sophronia Gordon Palmer — Grandmother Music Sewing Box
Mom & Dad
There is never a day that goes by that I don’t think of you!
I’ll See You in My Dreams!
Aunt Thelma, yours truly, Aunt Helen HS Graduation 1977
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Espiritu en Fuego/A Fiery Spirit 