Newness
Embracing change, Paris events and fashion chic codes for October
Welp. Big Chuck jumped ship.
I said last week that I may very well return to Paris having lost a parent and I most certainly will. I also divulged that I wasn’t ready, but looking back on Saturday’s festivities, I clearly was.
My father had a beautiful home going celebration. My family set our differences aside and came together to celebrate a great man. I saw cousins that I hadn’t seen in years. I witnessed family members who haven’t spoken in years, speak again. I witnessed love and healing
My father would have been very proud of the turnout. He would have been proud of the way things came together. He would have been proud that things were done with class and couth. We are the Shepherds and despite what is happening behind the scenes, we are a family and we do things with class and dignity.
As for me, I have accepted that I have gained an angel. Though I didn’t want to lose him I find comfort in the fact that he was ready to go. You see my father told me when to “pull the plug” so to speak. All throughout August I witnessed him hold on. When I would ask him if he was ready to jump ship, he’d say no every time with conviction.
His answer changed Tuesday August 22nd. August 22nd is when he told me that he was ready and that he had to go. With a huge smile across his face he cupped mine with his right hand and felt all around it with his left. He said nothing while doing this. It was as if he were a blind person trying to learn how I look. I let him continue all the while thinking what the hell is going on. He passed August 24th and I now understand why he cupped my face. My father knew that that would be his last time seeing me in this life.
I find comfort in that my father decided when he wanted to leave. I didn’t have to make that decision alone. He left when he was ready, on his own terms, unapologetically just as he lived his life. What’s more is that even in death he is still able to bring our family together to love on one another.
May the greatest man I’ll ever know, my father, Charles Lamont Shepherd, rest in perfect peace. I love you Dad.
What’s Next for Paris Chic Code