I hadn't planned to write today. In fact, I told my mother about two hours ago that it would be a while before posting again. It doesn't matter why, but what does matter is that from time to time there are events that happen that provoke you out of blogging hibernation.
Earlier today, I was working on the programs for not one, but two Homegoing celebrations. I updated my Facebook status at at around noon: preparing for two Homegoing services at once and praying with the Psalmist, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).
I had no inkling that just five hours later I'd be updating my status again: Mourning the loss of Dwight "Heavy D" Myers...we loved you like we love cooked food.
I am deeply saddened. I am at a loss for words. Death is an inescapable fact of life, and despite knowing this, it always takes me by surprise. Just yesterday, on Twitter, Heav tweeted to express his sadness at the loss of "Smokin" Joe Frazier. Just yesterday, in what would be his final words of encouragement to his followers, he tweeted, Be Inspired.
Inspired I was. As a hip-hop head coming into her own in the late-eighties and early-nineties, Heavy D's music was part of the soundtrack of my life. As a born and bred Mount Vernon girl, Heavy D was a hometown hero. More than Denzel, Heavy D put us on the map. (Money Earnin' Mount Vernon...'nuff said.) As a chunky girl, seeing him move the way he did let me know that size was no hindrance to getting your groove on on the dance floor. Beyond the microphone and dance floor, Heavy D flexed on the big screen, the small screen, and the stage. He was a rapper who was smart and creative enough to successfully venture into acting with patience and integrity. And although I did not have a personal relationship with him, my sister and niece did. As such, he was family.
My heart goes out to his parents, who already know the pain of losing a child. My heart goes out to his daughter, who from now forward will live with only the memories of her father. My heart goes out to all of his family and close friends, who never imagined he'd be gone so soon. My heart goes out to my city, who has lost a treasured son. My heart goes out to the music industry, who still has much to learn from Heavy Bum-diddly-diddly-dee.
In honor of Dwight "Heavy D" Myers, I'm going to leave you with a video...
Overweight Lover, may your soul rest in peace...
Amen.
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