Monday, June 30, 2025

Meditation 364 ~I’ll B Back, Dad~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… It’s not like I ever left you… Ok, alright, the food here is fantastic, so let me indulge some.

It’s not McDonald’s fries, which is why I’m here a day early. And the bad place you have to go to when you wake up. But I get to see it, ok, because I will be with you always, Dad.

“The Force will be with you, always.”
A New Hope

Star Wars? Jedi? You and I were always more like Sith Lords when it came to those movies. But as I sat beside Virgil this Sunday afternoon, he was so scared. And you were, too, Daddy. I mean, as frightened as I usually was when you took me for car rides. The benefits of being dead. I know that’s not funny. Do you want to call me a Force Ghost? Do you know what I really felt like? It was more Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

A T-800, Model 101, was sent to protect you. And yes, I know a machine reference is the last thing you want to hear; between Norton Antivirus and your nerves, you would always tell me I’m getting on. Only now, it isn’t me. It’s every noise from the glow boxes.

And the numbers. You keep telling my little brother, 2-V, that soon you’ll have nothing.

You want peace. And you have love, always for me. But Virgil, too. And how about my Favorite Girl? And now you have a girl of your own, Dad. V and I’s potential stepmom, M Anime. For her, you need wisdom and power. But right now, Dad, you need courage.

Do you remember my courage? I took “The Long Walk.”

Yes, I was scared, and I know you’re scared too. But I want you to remember who we are, Dad. I want you to remember the Dad you were whenever somebody tried messing with us. The Dad you were when the assistant store manager tried to insult my memory, Dad.

Be the man who found a way for me and my Favorite Girl to get along. You remember she and I didn’t always. But like father, like son. I liked comfy spots. She had yabbos.

Speaking of those, have the courage to make it until you can finally meet M Anime. Who knows… You’ll have the courage to love… She, my little brother, and some two-legged siblings that I’ll watch over. I’ll B Back, Dad.

“He’d never love anything more than getting obliterated.”
― Seven Days in June, Tia Williams

“Through chances various, through all vicissitudes, we make our way…”
From ― Virgil, The Aeneid

1611 Days Without B III, Day 1052 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, June 23, 2025

Meditation 357 ~Braxton’s Card, Papers, Deportation…~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… When people asked how old I was, it was because they wanted me to make cute little puppies like me. When I had cataracts…

Maybe or maybe not. You humans and your words. Not that it mattered much, Daddy.

You would always read to me anyway. Age-appropriate things you said. Bro, and yes, I just say ‘bro,’ Dad. I was older way before I turned 15. Way before I went away. But my father?

If that were the case, then who are you talking to right now? You’re old enough to consume alcohol. But you don’t usually. Old enough to be worried about credit and criminal activity; thanks, Norton. (Gives them one of my looks). You’re old enough to feel like you’re going Crazy. Yeah, if you’re going Crazy, it’s over me and Virgil’s potential stepmom, M Anime, in an Aerosmith kind of way. Give me some credit, Daddy.

She finds good music, and so do I. And if it ain’t credit, it’s your paper books, bucks, and bunches of papers that you bring in from outside that scare you. Even more than the paper in my potty spot in my room. You would say the same bad S-word about that. Don’t worry, I won’t say it. You have been saying a lot of bad words for both of us. Right? Even my “future” stepmom said something like that. It’s why she wants to come and see you, Dad.

“Friend. Lover. Victor. Enemy. Fiancee. Target. Mutt. Neighbor. Hunter. Tribute. Ally. I’ll add it to the list of words I use to try to figure you out. The problem is, I can’t tell what’s real anymore and what’s made up.”
Peeta ― Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay

I know there are things you and she can do together that can’t match. Eww! And even V is whining about it, too. But when she’s no longer on paper. When she’s with you, Dad?

“Your love is king
Crown you in my heart.”
Sade

“You are a king.”
Elijah to Clarence, from the movie The Book of Clarence (2023)

“You’re a good man with a good heart. And it’s hard for a good man to be king.”
Black Panther

You dream of “Dear Heaven.” Is there a heaven? And is anybody there? Yes, Dad, I’m here, and I know who and what I am. You would answer, my everything. I’m your Elijah to your Clarence. Hell! I was your Barabbas sometimes. I’m your “Brother My Brother.” I’m your bodyguard, your ride-or-die, your best friend, your inspiration for two novels, and every blog post since Sunday, January 31, 2021. The day I “left,” I’m your prince, the angel on your shoulder. And always and forever, forever and always. Dad, I am your son, Braxton, B.

So, who are you to think about “Deporting” yourself to Heaven? Hell? I’d follow Daddy.

“Who Are You?” “Who Made Who?” Wisdom, Courage, Power, and Love. Braxton’s Card, Papers, Deportation…

“If you loved someone, you loved him, and when you had nothing else to give, you still gave him love.”
― George Orwell, 1984 (Novel)

“A joy it will be one day, perhaps, to remember even this.”
― Virgil, Aeneid

1604 Days Without B III, Day 1045 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, June 16, 2025

Meditation 350 ~B, The Poster Boy~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… And you will always be more than “Just A Man.” You will always and forever be my father. Dad?

What? There’s a few things to unpack there, I guess. First, did you think my and Virgil’s potential stepmom, “M Anime, aka Julia 1984,” is the only one that knows good music? I mean, you did make her a playlist called “The Red Sash.” It gives her even more potential.

And yes, Dad, we need to talk about her. You were talking to my Favorite Girl the other day. So why can’t we talk about a girl you like. Daddy, you talking to my stepmom…

Didn’t you say once upon a time that this was my big fear? You and a girl. I know, Dad.

No one will take my place. But what did you say to Virgil on Saturday? My little brother… Love you?

“You taught me using any technique that works, never to limit myself to one style, to keep an open mind.”
― Frank Dux, Bloodsport (1988)

And you and I both know, Dad, that there is more than one way to love. We were brothers-in-arms. I was a prince to a king. A son to a father. “I’m your back, you’re mine.” I considered our life together to be Heaven… Yes, not always, but I served in Heaven so you could reign in what you considered Hell. “I have served. I will be of service.” Movies?

Daddy, you don’t think I remember all those movie nights with you and my Favorite Girl, yes, my favorite. “My job, my score, get your own!” Movies, Manuscripts, and all that Movement when you would watch any of the glow boxes. We are best friends, we do everything together. But when you look at yourself…

Sometimes, my Dad. And others more like my Big Brother. And you hate him. Always.

That’s why I’m not playing O’Brien to your Winston. Let M Anime be your Julia.

Seriously, Daddy, Ew! But I am happy for you. But this is what you need to understand, my father. You have let others plaster you all over, and you feel that’s what you are, Dad.

“Big Brother is watching you.”
From George Orwell ― 1984

And the image of you as I shut my eyes is what you are. “No Fate But What We Make. Dad, we are both men and artists. One a little furrier, that’s all. And if you want to paint the picture or as you sing “Everyday I Write The Book,” Remember, I see you, I love… B, The Poster Boy

“All he wanted was to get home quickly and then sit down and be quiet”
From George Orwell ― 1984

“Here is the toil of that house, and the inextricable wandering”
― from The Aeneid

1597 Days Without B III, Day 1038 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, June 9, 2025

Meditation 343 ~Anatomy 101 By Braxton~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… As obvious as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, And Toes.” Or as you were with Virgil HEART, Guts And… oh, right.

I was never anyone’s father. I’m your son always and forever, forever and always, Dad.

And Virgil is my little brother and your son. Remember? Now that you’re sure I haven’t reincarnated. Not as another four-legged ball of fluff, anyway. Which is why I’m here.

“Can you hear? Can you read? Are you receiving the signal? Do you copy me? No, Dad, I don’t sound like Theresa Walker. And I’m not Dead Air. Well, not quite. Kidney failure, and the whole Euthanasia thing. (Bristles). Yeah, I don’t like that word either. But I need you to hear me on this. I know you’re afraid. FEAR feels like it’s taken the very HEART of you, my father. Or it’s broken, there’s no room, it’s given away.

But my HEART didn’t take me, and do you know why? Because I gave it to you. I wasn’t afraid when death smiled at me. For the briefest of seconds, when I couldn’t see you.

“I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me”
The Return of the King

Daddy, I smiled right back at death. I bared my fangs, and I asked, “What took you so long?” Do you know the guts that took? This leads us to our subsequent realization, my father.

Do you have it? GUTS! You and Virgil both. Daddy, you are the bravest man I know. You and I together could face anything. We were not afraid. I’d offer mine, but the fire pretty much took care of that. Okay, that wasn’t funny. My death, MAGA, FDT, Republicans, etc.

At least you’re not crying.

Because you have balls? And Virgil won’t be regrowing his. But you can help him.

Purpose. It is not your purpose to be scared of the backyard fence, the bad place you would go for hours leaving me alone, the beeps and boobs of several glow boxes, those bad words you would say that I didn’t understand. MAGA, Norton, Money, there were so many things. But you would call my name, and everything vanished. Courage.

Honestly, Dad, it was far more than that. “FEAR is the HEART of love.” What I ask is, “Be Not So Fearful. For M Anime, me and Virgil’s potential stepmom, she’ll follow you. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark.” Family. Your woman, more siblings. Dad! Anatomy 101 By Braxton.

“A man trusts the counsel of his best friend.”
Vector

“Ah, merciless Love, is there any length to which you cannot force the human heart to go?”
― The Aeneid

1590 Days Without B III, Day 1031 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, June 2, 2025

Meditation 336 ~B Where? An Heir~

“Human beings in a mob. What’s a mob to a king? What’s a king to a god? What’s a god to a non-believer who don’t believe in anything?”
― No Church in the Wild (2011)

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… How I long to be a prince rather than a prayer. A soldier rather than a saint. Your son.

That is what I shall be, always and forever, my father. And long live the king. Who will take care of the new young prince? And all of the princes and princesses, my dear father.

We’ll get to that. You were busy with the potential queen… You know who I would have chosen. My favorite girl? Like father, like son. But you are a king, believe it or not, Dad. My pack leader, benevolent God, again a king. And always my Dad. But there’s Virgil.

“’You are a good man with a good heart, and it’s hard for a good man to be a king.”

So why not show Virgil that more? I was born to raise Hell but not bring down Heaven above. Though that is a thought. Did I mention other princes and siblings? My little brothers and sisters who Virgil will protect.

“All of my life, I have lived by a code, and the code is simple: honor the gods, love your woman, and defend your country.”
― Prince Hector, Eric Bana

That you will do, father. If everything works out. But you continue to look at me as if to say I’m an example of things not working out. If you had it your way, I would live forever, Dad. And since you and my potential stepmom/queen have been trading songs, here’s one for you: “Who Wants to Live Forever?” Again, like father, like son. Us.

Daddy, I do live, but maybe it’s all too heavy. What, Virgil, is only eleven pounds? However, you’re still wondering how you feel about that ha-ha. Seriously, a man alone.

No man is an island. Not even you, Dad. And you were meant to be a king. Dad, you rule.

Why did I put it like that? A teenage boy?

Maybe I was that young when you were still in your twenties. My Old Man, old man. Do you remember when we would watch “Reign: The Conqueror?” And you would tell me that the meaning of life was that song, “Worthy Of Your Soul.” Seek out a kingdom worthy of your soul. And that’s what you are still meant to do. Reign over empires, Dad.

Your writing, your future woman, for in my dreams, I win. When you have a two-legged son. And will you give him my name? You did tell the potential queen. Someone an heir to your throne. And notice that you have not cried once since we began. I’m right, Dad.

B is where? With you, always. B Where? An Heir

For I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.
― Genesis

Forever worthy of my great father’s fame!
― The Aeneid

1583 Days Without B III, Day 1024 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, May 26, 2025

Meditation 329 ~The Beginning Will B~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… Like father, like son. Do you know how long it took me to come up with that? Saying hello?

I understand why you don’t do it very often. You’re here. People are here. And I am here or there… I’m with you. Humans and language. That’s what made us a good team, a family. And it’s what you were thinking about as you were walking with my little brother.

That and pirate hats. I know I need to stay out of your head. My place is in your heart.

“Oh no, the world is a scary place,” Disturbed even inside your mind, Daddy. Honestly.

Why do you think I sat on your head most mornings? My furry butt was the least of your problems. The day didn’t start for you until you returned from the ‘bad place” you’d go daily and after a nap.

And that’s what I want you to feel, Daddy. That one moment in time when everything began. The moment when everything made sense when you weren’t sad or even scared.

Why? Because I am your son. And while a man provides for his family. It’s how you raised me to be, Dad. And for us to look at each other or how you looked at me when I sat on guard duty for anything that might hurt you. And “It’s Been Awhile” since you haven’t felt like anything more than a Staind. A mess without me, Daddy. No, you’re not.

Dad, do you remember every mess that Virgil has made. He’s messier than me. Ha-Ha! But you remember more the day you met him. PetSmart.

You don’t remember the day you met me. The precise date, I mean. But you remember the day I ‘left’. Sunday, January 31, 2021. The day Virgil arrived was Saturday, August 13, 2022. Daddy, you remember meeting my Favorite Girl face-to-face. It was on E-Day.

Begin to live, to lessen the pain, dare I say, to love. Dad, even now, it’s “later V, later Virgil,” With me, it was “love you, B, love you, Braxton.” How do you begin again? Why would you begin again?” To forgive, to heal, to love. To remember without tears. Daddy, I won’t ask that. But seeing me protecting you. My Favorite girl sitting with you. Cherry’s teasing. Liking me and Virgil’s potential stepmom, M Anime. The Beginning Will B

If you had me for 15 years and it took three days to lose me, why would you not be willing to love again? ― Only Gone From Your Sight BY Kate McGahan

“Do the gods light this fire in our hearts or does each man’s mad desire become his god?”
― Virgil, The Aeneid

1576 Days Without B III, Day 1017 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, May 19, 2025

Meditation 322 ~And I’d B Right~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… You believe me, right? Like you know, you love me like pancakes. Like I’ll come back. Like you’re crying.

Rituals when it comes to mourning and grieving. But I’m not the “Son of a Preacher Man,” no matter what that lady would say in church. I’m your son, and I’d be right about that. You would fight people if they said otherwise. Four legs and all, right, my father.

And I need you to listen to me. More? To see me. You’d give anything to open your eyes and see me. How many seconds, minutes, and hours as you sing, “he doesn’t look a thing like Jesus.” I look better, Dad. And I did come back. And if things work out with me and Virgil’s future stepmom… Yeah, I know. At least when you’re looking at her, your eyes, Dad… closed, teary, seeing red.

Routinely, when you finally opened your eyes, it would be to push me off your head, remember? And I’d be right. It was time to wake up. No, it’s time to “Get Up, Stand Up,” don’t give up the fight. Bob Marley? Dad, how long did we know each other? Am I trying to be funny? Well, at least you’re not crying. But to answer the question. Fifteen years and thirteen days shy of my birthday. And here I am, trying to get you to dance like you once did with me. What else is there to do? I know you’ve been worried, downright terrified.

Our routine, Dad, can’t be fixed. While you think, “Well, I’ve never prayed, but tonight I’m on my knees, yeah.”

Right. It’s a “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” that’s life. Things change, Dad. And I’d B Right.

For good or bad, because I can’t tell you the future. But I see what the future stepmom has done for you. You’re laughing and crying; I should stick to my Favorite Girl and let you have this one. Leave some women for you and Virgil as I watch you lead him down the same path I used to own. I’m not trying to tell you to be all Viva la vida. What I want to say to you today is this. I want you to see me sitting on the corner of the bed. And to know that nothing will hurt us. And I’d B Right, You’re gonna be alright. And I’d B Right.

The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world. So, wake up, Mister Freeman. Wake up and… smell the ashes…
― Half-Life 2, G-Man

“He did what any hero must: set sail. But you, you turn back. Tell me why.”
― Dante Alighieri, Inferno

1569 Days Without B III, Day 1010 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, May 12, 2025

Meditation 315 ~We Won’t B Worried~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… Am I real? I want to say as real as all your worries. Yesterday? At least Virgil was invited…

Grandma would have never invited me. And why am I speaking so plain today, Daddy? Or is the word direct? It’s like the day you got my little brother, Virgil. And even now, you question. Was that me you were hearing, or are you a man of your word, Daddy?

Being the man you are, it’s both. My father is a great many things. I need to be in the other room for some of those things. Like father, like son, because you were talking to my future stepmom this morning and… Eww, Dad! Yes, I played with my toys in front of my favorite girl. But you forget I’m omniscient, and you can’t just send me to my room.

M Anime’s not my stepmom?

Well, me and Virgil’s, I know. But at least she stopped you from worrying for a little while. And that makes her okay in my book. Now it’s your turn to give me the look. Because with everything you were telling her today. You said I didn’t like anybody? Uh… And now you’re worried about my grandparents’ house. And that’s on top of everything else.

“Times Like These,” my father, or should I say, isn’t it “Ironic,” don’t you think? Is it your “Anxiety?” What’s with the soundtrack? I remember Daddy when everything could be solved with you taking a nap and me guarding the bedroom door. Then you’d wake up, see me guarding you, you’d give me a cuddle, and then spill the tea.

These kids and their slang. But compared to me, you are pretty young, Daddy. Honestly.

That’s why you should keep taking my little brother on those walks. But again, Anxiety. You should keep talking to M Anime even if she doesn’t become the stepmom. Anxiety. And you can never stop writing your books even though… (Gives you a look). Anxiety. I could keep going, but comedy comes in threes. B III, to be precise. Oh, so I got jokes, Dad.

Laughter has never been the best medicine. Sleep, singing, and the STUFF you want to do to Virgil and I’s potential stepmom. If I ever had two-legged siblings, right Daddy. More worries. But today, Daddy, ask yourself, “Why Should I Worry.” We Won’t B Worried

“There is more than one path to the top. Always remember that, brother.”
Golden Son (Red Rising 2), Pierce Brown

“Without hope, we live in desire.”
― From Dante’s Inferno

1562 Days Without B III, Day 1003 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, May 5, 2025

Meditation 308 ~Will It B Complicated~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… And you already know the answer. Why do you think I constantly barked at the gate? Because life is…

What? I would watch you come and go for fifteen years. Twenty because I’m here. Somehow, someway, “I’m Still Here” and “I’m Real.” Seriously, Treasure Planet and J-Lo. Movies and music are how I can always reach you. I’m forever with you, even today, right?

It’s Saturday, May 3, 2025. Time moves ever so much faster for me and my brother and slower for you. And yet Virgil is content as I was/am. Humans tend to make things so “Complicated.” So, what? Am I here to play Merlin to my king? You keep calling me.

Daddy, Rohan will answer. We are such geeks, you and I. Do you see how easy it was to put a smile on your face? The bad place is complicated.

And that is why we’re talking today. Because the humans in the bad place are going to make you mad. And if you could only live life… Not existence, but live life as you are. Little 2 V is at your side, and we’re talking. I spent days with you typing on the glow box.

Speaking of the glow box, there were all the nights with you and my favorite girl watching it. And there were plenty of snacks. Daddy, how you’d smile and laugh. Honestly, I didn’t know you could be like that. But Virgil has only seen it once. But it’s not complicated at all, Dad, to give Virgil those types of moments. V has plenty of chances.

Because life is… It’s yours.

The world is yours. Like in Scarface. Not quite my father. Leave that to the manuscripts that you will publish, the movies you’ll make, and the embodiment of the man I know you to be. It doesn’t have to be complicated, Dad. Just be as you are, my father, always.

Brave, Joyful, dare I say Happy. Dad, you said you would come back. That promise? Daddy, that was one you never broke. And the reason you haven’t followed me here. Because of my little brother, my favorite girl, Cherry’s yabbos… I liked my favorite girl’s.

M Anime, mine, and Virgil’s stepmom. You keep saying stop calling her that. But love? Daddy, it’s not complicated. Life is… life itself. You’ll love yourself. Will It B Complicated.

“I so wanted (him) to feel the happiness that I felt whenever we touched each other, but people are more complicated creatures than dogs.”
― A Dog’s Journey: A Novel

“It is easy to go down into Hell; night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; but to climb back again, to retrace one’s steps to the upper air – there’s the rub, the task.”
― From Virgil

1555 Days Without B III, Day 996 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son