I haven’t been in the greatest spirits for the last week, and it hit me as to why. This Saturday, August 22, marks nine years since my dad, James Sawyers, earned his wings and went home. He may not have been my biological father, but he was the only father I knew, respected and who raised me from the time I was two years old.

With every passing day, I wish I could have just one more conversation with him…one more heart to heart discussion about career….life…..and yes, men. I will never forget the day I graduated from Alabama A&M University and dad telling me just how proud he was of me. After watching me struggle my Freshman year to flourishing as a news reporter for one of the local radio stations my Senior year, dad took me aside privately before the ceremony and told me I could achieve absolutely anything I put my mind to doing.

For those who lived in Indianapolis in 1978, you probably remember the infamous Blizzard of ’78. Even though I wasn’t even born yet and he and my mother hadn’t met at that point, I have heard story after story about how amazing he was as the Communications Officer for the City of Indianapolis. Little did anyone know I would follow in his footsteps as a public relations beast a few decades later.

The day before you died you called me….just to say one thing. You called to tell me you love me. And while my heart still hurts because you’re gone, I am so grateful those were the last three words you ever spoke to me.

This one’s for you dad. I hope I am continuing to make you proud. I love you, and I always will.

As always, these are just a few thoughts “From My Hart.”