Remembering David

Some people don’t just leave memories when they’re gone. They leave a whole feeling — a voice, a vibe, a presence that stays with the family for years. My cousin David was definitely one of those people.

David had this warm, genuine smile that made you feel instantly welcome. Like he was truly happy to see you. And man, that voice… deep, rich bass that you could feel in your chest. The second he told me he sang in the church choir, I thought, “Yep — bass for sure.” I could already picture him holding down those low notes on the old hymns. Even when he called me on the phone, just hearing “Hey Cuz” in that voice would put a big smile on my face.

He really got my obsession with genealogy. He’d share whatever he remembered about the family and even took a DNA test for the male line to help me track down our grandfather. Every time I had a breakthrough, he was the first person I called. He was always genuinely excited for me.

David was also an amazing storyteller. He could grab your attention right away and keep you hanging on every word. He’d throw in some funny parts, stretch the truth just enough to make it better, and always land the punchline perfectly. Oh, and he loved a good prank too.

Our family was big into pinochle. The elders taught the younger ones, and the younger ones taught the youngest. Playing David and his brother JR was always an adventure — it felt like they had all the cards and half the luck!

We didn’t see each other often since he was older and we ran in different crowds, but whenever we did, it felt like real family time. I’ll never forget October 17, 2009. My four cousins and I drove down to his house in Delaware. David and his wife had the place ready for an adventure. We hung out in the “Man Cave” with all his gadgets, plenty of drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. They cooked a meal fit for a king — and yeah, I was still thinking about leftovers the next day!

We swapped stories, laughed till our sides hurt, and pulled a few pranks. It was one of those perfect days that’s still burned in my mind.

David was one of those rare people who made me feel truly appreciated, just for being me.

He passed away recently, but every once in a while, I still hear that deep laugh or see that big smile in my head. That’s the kind of guy he was.

All kidding aside, our grandma Josephine always said, “Don’t come see me when I’m dead if you didn’t see me when I was alive.” She was smiling in heaven on October 17, 2009, because we made the time to get together.

Who’s your David?

You know, that person whose voice or laugh still pops into your mind years later? Drop their story in the comments. I’d love to hear it.

Here’s the silly recap I wrote right after the visit back in 2009:

New Flash!

On October 17, 2009, at 2 P.M. (EST), the Jackson gentlemen got together to fellowship (party) at the King’s palace in the land known as Delaware. In attendance were Lord T, The Prince, The Chief, and the Mayor.

The event started off with the usual salutations (“What’s up?”) and then the gentlemen proceeded straight to the “Man Cave.” Inside were numerous modern gadgets, a full watering hole, and plenty of comfortable seating. The King had prepared hors d’oeuvres and had plenty of libations (stuff you drink) on hand. He and his lovely Queen had gone all out for this visit, and it showed. They prepared a meal fit for a king — a real one, that is. As I drove back to VA the next day, passing through Delaware, I kept wondering if there were any leftovers.

The gentleman wasted no time getting down to business (monkey). The King shared his whereabouts over the past several years and the endeavors he had undertaken. The King truly lives like a king. Yes, as the famous scholar Mel Brooks stated in the Oscar-winning film The History of the World – Part One, “IT IS GOOD TO BE THE KING!”

Lord T shared some of his escapades over the years. One story, as I understand it, is that he served in the Royal Army and one day was rescuing the common folk from a terrible menace known as snow. During his brave rescue mission, he appeared at the King’s parlor (barabershop). As the common folk and the King praised him for his humanitarian assistance, he discovered that his royal chariot was being attacked by the snow, which was trying to swallow the vehicle whole. Things were looking grim for Lord T until a common tow-truck operator was dispatched and saved his bacon.

The Chief flew in from down under (NC) to attend the fellowship. He shared how the King loved to entertain the common folks in his parlor. He also told us how the King used money to teach valuable lessons to those common folks. The Chief was so impressed with the King’s lessons (a.k.a. gags) that he would stick around the parlor just to watch the next student (a.k.a. sucker) go through the experience.

The gentlemen were transported from the City of Brotherly Love (Philly) to the land of DE by the Prince. He had a beast of a chariot, a Hummer. The vehicle was quite large for such a prince, but I must say he tamed it well! The Prince, a medical professional and scholar, shared some medical breakthroughs we should know as kingdom leaders. His knowledge of medical stuff is very impressive. His chess game, however, is another story I will share when he is not in the room.

That leaves us with the Mayor, who is the author of this scroll and the family historian (storyteller). From a writer’s perspective, the true story will never be told because of the Las Vegas Rule: “What goes on in King David’s house stays in King David’s house.” Needless to say, the Mayor had a GREAT TIME, and it was a true blessing to see my cousins.

All kidding aside, our Grandmom always said, “Don’t come see me when I am dead if you did not see me when I was alive.” Over the years, we get busy with our own lives and immediate families, and we lose touch with our extended family. When there is an opportunity to come together, it is truly a blessing. I know Grandmom is smiling in heaven knowing that we got together on October 17, 2009.

THE END!