“Wow, I cannot believe it! I just cannot believe that I saw Minister Mary Edwards....the author..... who wrote that book!” said Willie our driver. “I mean....there she was at your dad’s funeral. I looked at the program and saw her name. Then she appeared on the pulpit!”

I thought about what he was saying then I said, “Minister Mary Edwards is the founder of The Called and Ready Writers. My father was blessed to be in that group.....and me too. She came to speak about him because he was one of the Legendary Authors in the group.”

“Oh yes. And she wrote that book...”I Am Big Enough”...uh...”I Am Grown Big to Do...” Said Willie sounding so excited. He waved his hands in the air.

“You mean, “ ‘BORN GROWN’,” I responded.

“That’s it! That’s it!” Willie laughed. “I Read her book! I read it on a cruise with my wife. My wife was sitting next to me on the boat and then she got up to go somewhere. I looked over and saw that book.....it....it was right there.”

“Oh....it was?” I said looking out of the car window in somewhat of a daze. It was cloudy and about to rain again.

“I picked up the book.....I looked at the cover and then turned it over. I read the back of the book. Then, I flipped through it. Next thing you know, I was reading the first few pages. I could not put it down. I...had to read more. After reading that book, I felt like I could do anything. She sure went through a lot.”

Willie said.

I glanced at him. He was so excited. He began to tell me about portions of her book. He remembered many things that had happened in Minister Edwards’ life. He called off names of places that were important to her. Willie was so thrilled to hear her speak. He was impacted by her book. He read her entire book in one or two sittings on the cruise. He said, “She is so transparent.” He loved that.

“I believe that she will be at the church when we return, Willie. I hope that you will go right to her and tell her just what you told me. She will be very happy to hear your remarks. Writers love to hear from their readers,” I said.

“I will....I certainly will,” he said.

“By the way, how did your wife get Minister Edwards book?” I asked.

“From Mother Slappy,” he responded nodding his head. “She sure did! I truly enjoyed that book! I’m telling you!”

My father had a large gathering at the burial ceremony service. Our father was in World War II. He was a veteran of that war. There were soldiers who gave him a full military salute with the presentation of the United States flag which was given to me. Tappers were played which deeply touched our hearts.

Following this ceremony, we all got back in our cars. Some went their way, but many returned to the church for the family and friends dinner. When I got in the car with Willie, I told him to stay for dinner and reminded him to meet Minister Edwards at the church. I told him that she would love to hear his heartwarming comments.

As we were being served dinner, I could see Willie in his black and white plaid coat and black felt hat rushing over to speak to Minister Edwards at her table. He looked excited and so happy. They shook hands. She smiled warmly and her face lit up with joy when she heard his special message to her.

In my heart, I know that this was a fitting scene for that day. My father, Elder Minor Palm, Jr., was the type of man who loved to give compliments, encouraging words, and share tender moments with others. He never left an occasion without spreading love and kindness. Well, the conversation with Willie and Minister Edwards was like something my dear father would have done. I am thankful that I was a part of it and witnessed it all.