Kirkman Rd. and Dante

We nestled into the summer swelter in Orlando, FLA. This epic trip is more than a vacation. It's like a vacation where all the stars are aligned and give birth to new life. The ultimate roller coaster! A destiny birth! While we wait for the first worldly breath of our grandson, I had the time to float around Kirkman Rd. as we posted up at the Hampton Inn. This is my time, my time to think. To sit and listen to myself and my surrounding. To make adjustments and train for continued inner peace. To find the place where the palms and the pavement meet and find how they effortlessly coexist. They can break each other, but instead they choose to make each other. Day 1, I venture out on the thick Floridian blocks with coffee in hand. Drinking in coffee in the Florida sun, always with my banana gun. Posted up on Kirkman Rd., the sights of I-Drive are walkable from my vantage point on the 5th floor of the Hampton.

The days progress, my step-daughters due date draws closer. And let me get this straight. My step-daughter has always been a soldier and a trooper and always down for me. Always shared unconditional love for me. Always had the maturity to understand that we both come from a good place. Long ago, we leveled with each other and took the "step" out of our relationship (See what I did there? Run that back). Love and respect for the woman and mother she has become. I am proud to build and grow with her in my new role as Pap Pap. On the real.

I found the time to get in a run at the parking lot across from the hotel. Sunday, no business at the business park. No worries. I ran for about 20 minutes in the carless lot. I found the Florida sun not as fun when it rains down heavy around brunch time. I wrapped up the workout with 100 parking lot pushups. Once I took off my shirt, I got the boot from a security guard. Can't be shirtless on private, business park, property. I flexed and bounced, he laughed. We laughed, shared a moment. Kicked off Kirkman. Corner of Kirkman and Carrier.

We make ready for the hospital when timing was right. My testimonial: Amidst all the bustle of the travel, all the distractions of the trip, all the anticipation of my daughter giving birth, she never faded in her focus. She calmly and strongly provided us with an awesome amount of joy. I was fortunate to get a call that she needed me in the delivery room for support. Unexpected, I was right by her side. I saw the intensity and the calm on her face all in the same expression. She was an angel, wings popping out. She was above on the higher ground at one of the most precious times of her life. I am very proud of her and the new family she is forging. I am with them for the thick of it. From back when and here on through, I'm finna ride out. Cheers to Miranda, Tay and DANTE! On your side and in your corner!