Last Saturday, my uncle Larry passed away, unexpectedly. He fought many battles throughout his life as a Black man in America. Despite all these hurdles, my uncle prevailed 67 years on this Earth. He was a source of laughter for my family, a true comedian.

We are 14 months plus into the pandemic. A lot of lives have been lost all over the world. Many of us feel completely gutted (metaphorically). My uncle was a fighter, and this he would not want me to wallow in my sorrows. He would expect me to mourn, but he would also want me to focus on celebrating his life.

On Saturday, 5/29 we will deliver a hybrid funeral for my uncle both in person in Philly and on Zoom. I’ve been asked my my family to deliver a poem virtually as I am in Canada. I’ve never understood the claims of difficulty surrounding occasion poems until I was asked to write one. Nonetheless, I will honor my elder, my ancestor, with grace.

On Monday I’ve got a major announcement to make regarding my career. I’ve been mentally wrestling with the grief of my uncle, as well as this to be announced blessing. As hard as that’s duality is, I know my uncle would want me to celebrate my forthcoming news. He believed in my dreams. Now he watches over them.

The top lesson of his passing is the top lesson of his life: When life throws you curveballs, be like my uncle Larry—brave the rugged terrain of this world with the heart of a lion.