Opening the fridge, I pause again. She's smiling at me. I love seeing her happy face and remembering. Do it, Dede! She was such the cheerleader.
I feel the flames all around me. Burning from the inside out... yet smothering the embers is a feat near impossible. So after years of holding the fan by my side, I wave it.
Twelve years ago, I held the honor of riding shot-gun beside a pistol of girl. She had a dream. She allowed me to ride on her coat tails as we reigned at her dining room table. We donned all of the other protective regalia necessary to battle the literary storm ahead. A book festival.
We researched, planned, devised, schemed, designed and placed a beautiful event to recognize talented authors and reach a community thirsty for words. Not once, twice but three times.
My friend Pippi and I created a chalkboard dream and transformed it into a masterpiece oil painting.
I hope someone remembers it just like I do.
The Atlanta Literary Festival was a great success for a few local girls. Considering it was birthed in the dining room of a cozy two bedroom apartment in Riverdale, GA with "Jaws" probably playing in background. We were blessed and inspired by many amazing authors and storytellers. I hope some them will remember us as I finally branch out. Mostly, I hope they always remember her talent, her passion to create and invoke worth!
She & I were both strong willed and creative souls. Passionate about the written and spoken word. She realized her dream and lost her life in the process. Guilt still encompasses mine. Regrets and the desire to deliver more. It was always our plan.
We lost my Pippi, Lynn Chante' Whitley, on October 15th, 2006. She saw her dream transformed and only hoped my would eventually graze the surface. Chewing my cud as I write.
Here's to you, Pippi!
I love you~
Dip
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