A Man Named Courtney...

So many times when loved one gets called in to Heaven, we focus on that one act which brings us nothing but pain and heartache. We forget about all the times we had with that person throughout their life...the good times, bad times, funny, and sad times. Yes, they died but they also lived and in most cases we helped them do that. So today, instead of letting sadness overcome me I'm gonna try and relive the memories of my Father and all the reasons that made him who he was...Courtney.

- I can remember when I was younger, anywhere we went we were dancing. I don't care if it was in a house, at church, in a park, or in the car...wherever there was music we were dancing. And my Dad would always say someone was stealing his moves knowing darn well he didn't make them up! haha

- Every Sunday morning before church the smell of nair would be in the air. My Dad didn't shave, ever. So he used nair to stay smooth.

- I can't ever remember my Dad cooking. I don't know if it's because he didn't know how or just didn't feel like it but...I think we always ate out =/

- This man could drive!! We were always whippin' down the freeway in some fly car like we were racing. He's the reason why I know how to drive with my knees so well!

- Wednesday night, church night! My Dad would drive all over to like four different cities picking up kids to take to church. All of my friends went and looked forward to it every week. After church we'd hit up McDonald's and whoever didn't have money to eat, my Dad would pay for. There's nothing he wouldn't do to bring someone to the Lord.

- My Dad had super skinny legs and a his middle fingers curved slightly. The only reason I remember this is because he'd change the radio station in the car with his middle finger...

- He was a trend setter....or at least he thought he was. Some of his outfits were like WHAT? haha Mesh t-shirts, cross colors, Laker attire, gold jewelery, high tops, colorful suits, every hair style you could think of for a man: fro, Jerry curl, fade, lined up..everything! He always dressed to impress.

- I can't remember a time where he yelled at me...or even had to yell at me. My Dad believed in talking. He always understood, or pretend to understand at least. Made it really easy to come to him with anything.

- I remember him and my Mom being really good friends. They never argued, never bickered, always got a long. That was good for us kids growing up in a divorce environment.

- Everyone knew my Father where ever we went. And if you didn't know him, he'd still shake your hand or ask how you're doing. He was a people person and people loved him!

- Every year for my birthday him and I would go to dinner....just the two of us. He'd let me pick the place and as I got older, even let me drive his car. The last birthday dinner we went on somehow the waitress knew it was my birthday. She didn't know we we're coming and he never left my sight. I'll never figure that one out...but it's a good memory I'll keep with me forever.

Point is my Dad made mistakes, didn't live a perfect life, but he never stopped trying to better himself. He never told someone in need "No", and he could always make you laugh no matter what the situation. Today I remember the Man Named Courtney for who he is, not what he was. He is my Dad and will forever be the most important Man in my life. I love you Dad.....miss you every day. Tell God I said "Whaaat up!" :)