In My Write Mind

Let them know that you want them in your space. Let them know that you care about them at an early age. Draw them close, make them aware that they’re important, that they play a role, fill a void, that they’ve carved a niche.

Mentor them. Make them understand that reading is not only fundamental, it’s critical to accomplishment in life — regardless of what they’ve heard. Pull them close and assure them that the thought of aborting black babies as a solution for eradicating crime is only the thinking — hypothetical as it may be — of a cruel, conniving, twisted mind that needs not have an outlet to millions of impressionable listeners/followers.

Remind them that it doesn’t matter so much what the president thinks about black people as it does what they think of themselves. Make it clear to them that while others may be off and on with their love for them, loving themselves is the most important thing. Make it clear to them that you love them for who they are, but for what they do as well.

Exhort them that being the best possible citizens they can be — even when no one seems to be looking — will go a long way in life, that cheating even that one time may come back to haunt them when they least expect it. At the very least, it will eat away at their conscience while they sweat out the process. Pull them close and tell them to be… whatever they want and the value of hard work.

Whatever you do… if they’re young and they need you, pull them close.

Pull them close and get to know them. Embrace them. Get to know their likes and dislikes. Let yours be known. Hang out with them beyond occasional phone calls. Visit their homes. Let them visit yours.

Make it easy on yourself and establish a common bond from the beginning. Never try to force anything.

When you pull them close, when you make them your friend, do it for the right reasons. Never for selfish ones. Because once you’re done being selfish, you won’t have any use for them. Never make friends solely based on race. Friendship should be color blind, immune to predujice. Pull them close because of a vibe, not because of vanity.

Share things as you feel comfortable, as you feel will make them comfortable.

Whatever you do, if they’re a true friend… pull them close.

Let them know how much they’ve influenced you throughout your years. Hug your parents, tell them that you love them while you have the chance. Do as much for them as possible. There’s too much going on these days for you not to.

Appreciate what you have. Who you have. Realize that pulling them close will strengthen your bond, help them appreciate you. Acknowledge your need for independence while managing to depend on them for certain things. Respect your elders to the utmost. Listen twice as much as you speak. Soak them in. Pull them close and absorb their wisdom. Bow down to their gray hair.

Revel in your sibling rivalry while respecting your siblings. Pull them close and be patient with them, put yourself in their shoes and do all that you can to help them. Allow them to be there for you. Don’t compare yourself. Always share yourself. Put love above selfishness.

Whatever you do with your family… please pull them close to you.

Make sure they know you don’t just love them, but that you’re in love with them. Make them feel that inner tingle, that outer glow. Help them fall in love with you. Let them know just how special they are to you.

Share your innermost thoughts and dreams; make them a part of your vision, your future. Pull them in close. Build with them. Find out what makes them tick, what helps them breathe each day. Love them from the inside out. Finish their sentences.

Write stories with them as the main character, as the love interest… the object of your affection. Do things that show them the same. Go deeper than flowers and candy, deeper than watches and ties. Delve into their souls. Dance with them. Play with them.

Pull them closer than anyone has ever been.

Deal with their bad habits. Help them deal with yours. Don’t look past the bad stuff. Deal with it. Communicate with them on all levels. Argue with them. Debate. Agree to disagree. Pull them close and whisper sweet somethings in their ear, let them know that you still love them. That you’re still in love.

Pull them close and help them understand that imperfect is not a curse word. Hold them tight. Love them. Fall in love and stay there. Make it hot every night. Pulling them close and squeezing won’t help everything, but it’s definitely a start.

Whether it’s a youngster, a lover, family or a friend… just do yourself a favor. Even better, do us all one.

Days til Miami: 1