Monday, October 2, 2023
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There is no way to properly marshal the sentiments of 56-some-odd years of love, mentorship, and paternal guidance and reduce it to a moment of brief reflection. For those familiar with the relationship between the Lane’s and Morants, my feelings are more than likely understood, so I will start there. There were no major decisions made in our lives without the counsel of Mr. and Mrs. Lane. Yes, we still say their surnames, not out of the absence of knowledge, but of reverence. Mr. Lane was our barometer for how we managed the world. He would not hesitate to remind you of the humor of life even in a difficult situation. He reminded you that being aware of it did not mean that you had to succumb to it. For many people, this was the layer that most people saw. I am honored to say that during his life, I was privileged to have a deeper relationship with the complexity of this great man. He taught me that despite his history, in the pain of losing a loved one, it was OK to feel it and still stand tall as a man with honor. He saw me through many losses in my life and taught me to stand tall in this very manner. He celebrated my achievements, evaluated my setbacks, and encouraged me to persevere through what I will just refer to as basement counseling sessions. Many of the firsts in my life were anchored by his presence, guidance, and support. For myself, and my siblings, the loss we are experiencing today is far more impactful than just the sorrow of his absence.
So, when you think of the definition of a family, biology has very little relevance, if any in its definition. He was not my father by birth, but I was fathered by him nevertheless. Monica, Marcia, and Melinda by the very nature of this relationship are OUR sisters, make no mistake about that. Ms. Lane, your maternal nurture, support, guidance, and love have carried us through the many challenges of this worldly existence. Your sisterhood with our mother brought forth a bond between two people that we all seek to emulate in our own lives. I hope that you forever understand what you mean to us. I say this with all of who I am, I love you all! I am sorry I am not there to hold you physically, but know that I am always with you!
