I remember me and Zumante were playing on bikes. We were riding scooters. I like to remember that.
I have so many great memories about Mante I didnt know where to start. One of my fondest happened late this spring. He and his brother Andrew (his 9 year old "twin") challenged Samuel (oldest brother) and I to a game of basketball! They were sooo confident they could beat us because they had Twin Power and mad skillz! Their braggin didnt result in any early baskets as me and Sammy were up big. The boys kept trying to go one on one and couldnt score. They called timeout and had a talk about strategy. They came back on the court and started passing the ball back and forth, cutting to the basket and finally made a hoop! They didnt win the game (Sammy was just too much in the post), but they did develop teamwork. We had a ball. Miss you Mante.
I remember me and Zumante going to the rec center together. We went swimming and he taught me how to swim backwards. I thought it was nice of him to teach me how to swim backwards.
I remember being in the delivery room with your mommy. She was having a very hard time. At one point, near the peak of labor, she tried to leave. She said, "I can't take this anymore, I'm going home!" Titi Niecy wiped her forehead gently (imagine that!) and said, Honey, you can't go home right now you're in labor. I told your mommy that even if she went home she would still be in labor. She looked at us both with annoyed disgust and she kept pushing. A few minutes after that, you made your arrival. We all cried tears of joy and relief and excitement. It was the most amazing experience I had ever had, watching my nephew come through my sister and into the world. Ndokwe (thank you) Zumante for letting me share that moment and so much of your life with you. I love you and I promise to always nurture your spirit along with all of our ancestors.
It was summer and Kiante had spent a huge amount of time and energy teaching Zumante to dance the jerk. I remember peeking at them and reporting back to everyone how Kiante was showing such patience. By the end of an afternoon Zumante had it. Over the next several days he practiced so much. One day we were driving home when it came on the radio. I was amazed to look out of the window and see Kiante walking down the street. We called to him and cranked up the radio. Zumante and Kiante danced the jerk in the driveway as though they were being paid for it. It was quite a show.
