Holidays Not The Same, When Loved Ones Are Gone...

"Holidays Not The Same, When Loved Ones Are Gone..." I chose this title and topic because I feel it like many others do. I must admit I was hesitant to write this Article about this. I was trying to come up with something Inspirational and up lifting. But on this journey, God wants me to be totally transparent and I'm not feeling that. I know others who have lost someone and trying their best to navigate their new normal. This is the Second year since my Nephew I helped Raise Khalil, was murdered. As I thought about Thanksgiving approaching, I could picture him coming by my sister house/his mom and he's on 1,000 yelling 'What up Family, Turn Up, Turn Up!

His burst of energy would infuse the gathering, granted everyone getting the itis (full from good food), but the party would be on again. We would dance, play games, social conversation, and just be in the moment. I'm an Introvert/Extrovert and most times I can be in my head thinking about what song I need to make, what guests to get for my show or topics for my other 2 shows, and have I finished editing my latest book. For me being a Creative I'm on that vibe 24/7. I don't mean no harm, i just be in my head sometimes. Oddly, my nephew was a Creative as well, I remember at times he would come to me and start asking, "Where the new music AT? What you working on Unc!. Man, it's like he knew what I was thinking about and we would chop it up about what I'm working on and what he was working on.

My lasting memory that plays everyday like its on repeat, is he was in an accident a year before his passing, and my nephew had a temper. He didn't calm down until I told him I was going through separation/divorce, you got to calm down. And it worked he was focused on how I was doing. That led to him coming over days later and we just kicked it for hours about life, my situation, him being a better Father, then our love/passion Music. I came out of retirement for him, so we had a fifth of Crown Royal as he asked what made me start podcasting, what's next with my music, and what my next book is about and when I'm publishing it. As I asked him about his album he was working on. His Album was released after his passing(he had talent). That was a perfect day. The whole time I'm thinking I watched him all the time as a baby. He wouldn't go to sleep unless I sung New Edition Entire "Home Again" tape(this was late 1996 to 1997). Now here he is a man with kids giving me life advice and prayers. Just amazed by his growth. And I Remember he kept saying it, "You Going Through It Unc, but God Got You, So Keep That Music Coming, Them Books, And Your Podcasting Coming" No Time To Slack Off! Then we talked about working on few songs for my third Album "JLE 4 LIFE/JLE FOREVER".

I know me and my Family Cope and move forward the best we can always leaning on God for that Strength and hold on to the good memories. I know I still Cry some days at work or at home, I assume my Family do too. Anyone that this Thanksgiving is your first without your Loved One or 2nd, 3rd year they've been gone. I'm praying with you and for you and your family that your new normal gets better. To where some joy and laughter fills the households. Thinking about the good times. I know my nephew up there with my Dad Reverend Homer Edwards Jr. and Jesus yelling Turn Up, Turn Up! To everyone if you have to cry together, in private, do it, it's part of the process. Then TURN UP FOR YOUR LOVED ONES! AND MAKE NEW MEMORIES!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE MIDDLE GROUND WITH JLE BRAND!!!!!!