My Mom, Edie passed away in June of 2021 at 99 years of age with a mind as sharp as a 20 year old. Her health suddenly began to decline in March. As I made my last 15 hour drive from Georgia hurrying to be with her (my 3rd trip since March), I received the call that she passed as I drove through the Shenandoah Valley. Instead of personal details; I wish to honor this amazing fireball of a woman who I had the privilege of calling Mom, Best Friend, Sister, Daily “Hang Buddy” on FaceTime, Music Biz Manager back in the day, rolling up cables, tearing down PA at the end of the gigs, getting me interviews on radio, I could go on and on. She always told me when the time comes: “Don’t cry for me Argentina”, “No one gets out alive”, “I’ve had a heck of a good run”, “I’m going out in a blaze of glory”, and Monday when she kicked our dear friend Robin out of her hospital room she told her with determination: “I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do”. 

She passed that next morning. I wish to honor the way she lived her life and her courage in the face of death with this quote by Chief Tecumseh, a Shawnee Warrior (1768-1813) that describes her so well: “Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.” Mom, I love you! You’re forever my hero! 

J Donte and I wrote “I Bless The Poverty (Edie’s Song)” to celebrate her Pheonix-like journey as a first generation American living in poverty and overcoming adversity. To enjoy the music video; please click here.