Grand Uncle Mombo

Beachfront resort, gloriously soothing palms, a sunlit heavenly warm loving paradise. Vacation dream, enhanced by sweet friendship of Grandma Lil, who gives advice. That does not have to be followed, as she does not care, she throws it out, liberally. Fully distracted by the beach and her chunky sweet peanut butter which makes us nibbly. Grandma Lil has been here since the beginning, watching the neighbors, urging them to her porch. She honors her ancestors, by bringing peace and joy to the island, as powerful as a tiki torch. It is a splendid day, celebrated by neighbors near and far, as they wander up, basking in niceness. Blessed are the neighbors and friends drinking the tangy lemonade, with oodles of iceness. A puppy or two is bouncing around with the children, all delighted by water and sand combo. Drums sound off, on the other side of the island, I smile, thinking of Grand Uncle Mombo. Mombo was the kindest relative ever, a celebrated hero, a man with a mission, but now in heaven. He used to set the mood for these yearly reunions, with his warm laugh, and his children seven. They do not come any more, as this place makes them too sad, and he has been gone a short time. A festival of sorts, celebratory, in spite of his loss, the rest of the relatives continue to dine. We tell stories, and laugh and sing and play with gladness that he had blessed us with his presence. Knowing that someday his grandchildren will wander onto the porch, with their grandpa essence, And Grandma Lil will know, as she has that kind of mind and she will encircle them with love. And we will be waiting, to celebrate his life once again, to honor the man with the heart of a dove.