"In Memoriam/Life's Little Reminders"

 

 

 

Today, the comedian Bernie Mac died. He was only 50 years old. Honestly, I was not that much of a fan of his off color humor, but I did enjoy watching his family oriented show that was on Fox. It was a show that I could watch with my children and that my boys enjoyed. While I am not one to be crazed over “celebrity”, the affinity that I had for Mr. Mac comes more from his life story than his celebrity status

 

Mr. Mac and I are roughly 3 years and 9 months apart in age. We both grew up on the South Side of Chicago, and were reared in environments that contained little joy. Both Mr. Mac and I took in the children of relatives that made bad choices. For him it was a sister-in-law,  for me a sister. He took care of a niece and her daughter, and I, two nephews.  One of my nephews now lives with his father. The other, I  adopted and have raised since he was one. He is now a teenager. Even with resources, Bernie Mac could relate to how difficult such an undertaking is at times. I enjoyed the way he tried to inject humor into the situation, and his tough-love approach.

 

 Bernie Mac also spoke of how being in a joyless environment compelled him to try to make other people laugh. I understand this as well. I have often depended on my wit to make up for what I feel are my insecurities, and to bring a smile to someone else's face.

 

 Although the dynamics of our relationships with our mothers were different, we both lost our mom’s at early ages. He lost his mother at sixteen when she died of cancer; I lost my mother to depression,though she didn't pass until last November. However, I believe that we both came out stronger individuals through our respective experiences.

 

 I am saddened for his family and by the fact that he died at such a young age. Whenever someone dies, and especially far too young, my first thought is always; Did they find any happiness in their life? Especially when I know that a person struggled in life, grew up without the love of family, or faced any kind of hardship. Did they find any happiness in their life? I just think that is so very, very, important to do. It is my fond hope that Bernie Mac did.

 

Each day we are constantly reminded of just how short life is. There are so many things that we have to do, take care of, resolve, correct, and tend to. But we still have to remember that none of those things will matter if we are no longer around.

 

I did not feel well when I retired last night and  today I amstill not feeling the best. I hit the door running this morning with errands and MUST do’s and I had a list of things that I felt had to be taken care of today. In the middle of it all, I turned on my computer and learned of Mr. Mac’s death. I went into my garden instead. Those things will keep. I needed the reminder.

 

Rest In Peace Mr. Mac.