This post is not about me. It's merely a reflection, or observation of the past eight months...with The McDaniel Brother's...the order I list them in (may be) due to favoritism, lol but I'd rather just clear that assumption up as truth, rather than have it speculated. I care about each of them all differently and they have each impacted my life in such a short time (mostly positive, ha ha!), so when I'm led to write... I do what's right! (even you George)
George a.k.a. Jorge (Horhey)-
The eldest, probably the wisest of them all! Is to me quite the honorable man. Without having to delve to deep into his personal life, what very little that I do know about him is partly the reason why I felt compelled to write this post. He loves his brothers. Although he and the other three have different mothers, their bond is like nothing I've every seen before. He's funny, which seems to be a common trait that they all possess, but most importantly He is a family oriented man. I've met and interacted with him once and during that time I just really appreciated his laid back spirit. Over the years I've learn to read people...and what I picked up from him is his love and desire to do right as a man and a father. His children are his lively hood and most importantly his focus. His relationship with his brothers, is something he desires that his children share. Maybe I'm wrong, but I have mad respect for this man. There was a certain comfort that I got from being around him, but in reality...I get that from all of them. My sincere prayer goes out to George....
Renard a.k.a. Renny Tin Tin!, a.k.a. Jojo's brother-
The middle (possibly maybe, my favorite....shhhh don't tell anyone). Let me say this...His soul is classic. I wish that there were more Renny's out there in the world. He's humble, funny (classic trait of a McDaniel, I've concluded), talented, artsy, can dress, athletic, a great cook, and the list goes on. I met Renny back in July and though he may beg to differ, ha ha...I felt we hit it off very well. Renny just was a laid back dude, super mellow. But having the opportunity to talk with him allowed for me to learn alot about this man, and I came to admire his story, who he was, and now who he has become. Renny is honestly like the brother I never had real talk and I value our friendship...He looks out for me and vice versa. That really is no different in retrospect when it comes to the other brothers, because I hold Jojo and Ed down and vice versa but nonetheless, I shared with Renny, that I believe out of all the brothers he will be the first to be married and I believe it will last. So Renny if you're reading this don't forget that I want to write a poem for your wedding!
Joseph a.k.a. Jojo-
Akia's favorite...breif disclaimer. My children are picky about the company I keep. They are very observant and they don't take well to everyone. But when they do...you will know. I remember the first time Akia met him...I was taking Jojo back to Michigan with Ed, and he sat in the backseat next to her...and the conversation was quite entertaining. She asked him a lot of questions and he obliged by answering. From that moment...my daughter and son have faithfully requested his presence and or desired to speak to him. I strongly believe it's due to these reasons. Jojo is a different breed. I've never quite met a man with such a unique mind like him, but he is so intelligent. Not to say that each brother is not because they all are, but Jojo and I share a common interest. We both majored in English, but this to me reveals a lot about him period. Naturally an artist and a lover of words, Jojo is truly gifted musically. By far one of my favorite MC's, probably right next to Nas, I commend his tenacity and drive to pursue his passion. We clicked like peanutbutter and jelly this summer and I told him that he was probably the only male that I would call best friend and I meant it. HE GETS ON MY LAST NERVE,... and can make any person question their intellect with his choice of words but he's quite the genuis and a hopeless romantic. And how could I forget to mention that he's the baby. He knows he's special to me because he allows me to talk about my problems, issues, concerns, without judgement! I love our heart to hearts...
and then there's....
Edward...a.k.a. Ed.I.Elm., Ed, Pookie...this list is way too long, ha ha
Eldest of the last two that I mentioned...I'm biased to writing about him so I will keep my reflection to the point. His imperfections make him perfect. Similar to George, but something I've actually personally witnessed, is his love for his children. I remember when I first was made aware that he had children. We both were on the panel for a Hip Hop Discussion and I was actually shocked. Over the past few months I've come to learn about this man is that he is driven by his love for the community. We share that same passion and I often pray that he realizes his future is bright and very promising. At times he can be very moody but it is balanced by his humor. I share with him often he should be a comedian. I've reflected on this for a while but those who he let in are lucky people, because they get to his heart. I will close with this...he too is an amazing writer and I look forward to watching him blossom. He writes some great stuff on the "Think Tank"!
All in all...my writing is simple, my words are charasmatic, and these men are amazing. Who am I? someone random who has been tremendously blessed by them all. I have often questioned and wondered what there father was like, who he was, and I'm often quite afraid to touch on the subject due to it being such a sensitive issue. Their mother spoke very highly of him during one of our heart to hearts...and may his spirit always live through them, rest in peace, Edward L. McDaniel Sr. My desire to write about these men was to shed light on their story, their uniqueness...3 brothers, who grew up in somewhat poverished conditions, with a mother who I would definitely classify as heroic and the epitome of STRONG, in a very rough neighborhood...who each defied the odds against them and excelled beyond what people thought they would. Each now college graduates trying to find their way in this society as amazing, gifted, beautiful, evolving, men. I'm honored to say that I know them. What really warms my heart is their relationships with each other. Me being the only child and having two half sisters, I hope to one day experience what they have. They make me smile on my bad days, and bring laughter to my soul. They challenge me to be a strong woman by just this statement alone, "Sheila could do it"...ha ha...and most importantly, they're teaching me the beauty of friendship with men. Dialogue, great dinner, laughter, good music, tears, and lots of fun is something that I'm blessed to share with them.
This is only the beginning and I hope they know how much I value them....
Flaws and all,
I heart the McDaniel brothers.
signing out-
Naki
