What Will People Say

As a writer of novels, I create subject matter that is real to life even though the stories I tell are fiction. I enjoy doing this, whether the storyline is difficult or fairly easy to expound upon, because I believe that most if not all things should be discussed in life.

My first novel, The First Blow, dealt with domestic violence issues within the African American household and some content that I wrote about was extremely difficult for me to bring to life, but I did. I felt that it was necessary to show that even though domestic violence in the black community is rarely discussed, I felt that it existed and I told the story.

So in light of thinking about so many various topics to consider writing about, I thought about one that maybe we all can think on. I’m not sure if I will directly write about it, but here it goes. To keep from making this too heavy, I thought about the recent passing of Patrick Swayze.

I wondered to myself, what did people have to say about him at his funeral. Did they say kind and loving things at his funeral that they also shared with him while he was living?

So then I wondered, what would people say about me, not when I pass on, but while I’m still here to hear their thoughts and feelings. Then I wondered, what would I want people to say about me now or later?

Many things have gone through my head and overall I think I would want people to say, whether I’m living or gone on, that I’m a kind hearted person who loved life, family and people from all walks of life. Not only that, but that I am determined, humble and willing to give of myself.

I would love hearing about the novels I wrote or about an R&B tune or gospel tune I sang that touched their heart. Be mindful that wanting to hear true and kind things about ourselves from others is not arrogance, it’s just wanting to know that we are living lives that positively impact others and maybe makes someone smile along the way.

So I send these questions out to you:

• What do you want people to say about you?
• Do you want them to make up words that make you feel good or words that are true (good or bad)?
• Would people say kind things about you living and/or dead and mean them?

Think about it and post your comments on my page and let me know what you think.