To the descendants of a four-hearted legacy, a Psalm of love everlasting.

I can taste this loss and feel the stoney weight of it pressing outward from my belly.

This isn’t real.

It can’t be real.

They can’t all be gone.

I am not ready to face the reality of life without you all.

First the Soldier,

Then the Anchor,

Then the Revolutionary,

And at last the Braveheart.

The streets of Heaven are filled with the weight of my heart tonight. Every one of these giants gave a piece of themselves to me and said,

“Go on, granddaughter. Show us what you can do.”

Selah

I am ready to face the reality of life without you all.

You made certain that I would be ready by teaching me what it is to carry your legacy in my blood and bones.

Love God

Love Your Family

Love Your Self

Love Your Neighbor

Never ever weary of well-doing. The world needs our strength. There will be days when you question your sanity. There will be days when it seems that you pour your self out only to hear the granulated voices of humanity cry out for more.

Do not neglect your self.

Do not neglect your duty.

You need both to remain whole.

I had the grace of my elders’ love and attention for 37 glorious years. These few words can never be enough to describe the bond between my grandparents and me; and yet, they are worth saying. I had the best and I will honor them and their memory by using the lessons they imparted to me.

Amen

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Lubbock, Texas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.