A more inspiring series of ministers I’ve never heard. We were all so happy and clapping by the end of the Eulogy that it was a real shock to walk past that open casket, on the way out, and see that child lying there.

Oakland High School students showed their respects by the dozens. So did numerous precious little babies whose little smily faces and giggles helped dull the pain a bit.

I don’t want to ever sit through one of these again. Children, you’re going to need to keep whatever gangsta stuff out of any classroom I’m in, because nobody wants to go to your funeral.

RIP, Phil

Phil was a charming child, a sarcastic child, a child with a wannabe evil smile that could melt snow with its underlying warmth. Phil had the hard shell around him that so many of our young men have who don’t want to appear “suckas” in front of their friends. Gods I’ll miss him. My heart is so broken tonight. I saw him earlier this week, walking up the hill from the learning center, and he flashed me that knowing, devastating Phil Wright smile. You know the one, Danielle.

It’s unfathomable that he could open up his grandparents’ door and just be gone like that. I read about his granddad cradling his head, and I’m there cradling it too. Not our Phil. Not our baby.

Oakland High is brokenhearted tonight. This should not ever be, not for anyone’s baby.

Blessings and strength to the family of our precious, growly, goofy, loving Phil, who would never hurt a fly.