If I Die Tonight

Oh, Momma, I beg you, before I am laid to rest, place a Marlboro between my teeth. Do not worry or weep for me; I will be there, somewhere adrift and free, on a cool Kentucky breeze.

My precious Jenny Boo, it still astounds me that you exist in a world so marred. Your radiance has burned away the darkness that once clouded my days. Through you, I discovered a light within myself I never knew existed. My heart will forever pulse in harmony with yours, and even beyond this life, I will remain yours.

Jaxon. The gift from God, strive to surpass not only me but the limits you set for yourself. There is no soul I long to share more moments with than yours. You are the reason I held on when I wanted to let go. Your heart, too big and boundless than this world merits—guard it fiercely; do not let it be consumed by the bastards who try to keep you down.

Dad, I have missed you dearly. Thank you for always telling me the unvarnished truth of how life would unfold. You were right. You were always right, even as we ride the Beulah.