#damn...just...damn...

[trumpetnista]

Well, that's the first unfair death of #TGIT. Now, to get into the nitty gritty during the #ScandalFinale. It's time to get more of my tea!

[trumpetnista]

Some of my best memories, some of the best stories I’ve heard and written had Prince’s music as a soundtrack. His influence will never be forgotten, nor will his talent. Sleep well, sir. You will be sorely missed. #RIP Prince Rogers Nelson

[trumpetnista]

Mom just told the kids...and they reacted pretty much like I thought they would. Val's not crying yet, she's asking questions but Kim, Tom, and Nina are crying hard, especially Nina because she and Sara are the closest in age. Sara's out of Intensive Care, now. They put ports in to help with the swelling and the double vision. They shaved some, not all of her hair off but I'll definitely be pushing back growing out my fro for solidarity. Mom says she's drowsy from the meds, frightened and that she misses us so we're going to go see her tomorrow. I can't take away the tumor but I can at least hug her. That counts for something...

[trumpetnista]

A few weeks ago, my younger sister Sara hit her head while playing outside. A couple of days ago, she wasn’t feeling well. She had a headache and double vision so yesterday, our parents took her to the doctor. Y’all...Sara has a brain tumor. She has cancer and although the doctors are still evaluating her, the location of the tumor makes it very difficult to treat with radiation and is essentially inoperable. I tell you guys this not seeking pity but strength and prayers for my Sara, my family, and for me. I want to be there for her and to make her life as fulfilling and happy as possible with our time left with her. Any information you have about supporting a cancer patient, especially a child, please add to this post and on messaging. Thank you in advance.

[trumpetnista]

All the love in my heart to the friends and family of case32. She was lovely and a source of encouragement and stability in the Arena and I will definitely miss her.

[trumpetnista]

All the love in my heart to the friends and family of Mistress of the Black. I always enjoyed her efforts in the Arena and it's a loss to all of us.

[trumpetnista]

Were it not for Maya Angelou, I would've never been brave enough to put pen to paper for the first time. She was a brilliant mind and will be missed. As a small tribute to her, I would like to share my favorite piece from her in audio and in word.

Maya Angelou- And Still I Rise...

You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries. Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.

Maya Angelou