Mr. and Mrs. Swing

Chapter 11 - On Bended Knee

December 25, 1992

Cumberland, VA

On Christmas morning, we attended church at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the church I called home my whole childhood. I had no idea grandad asked Devante to play the piano until he announced it before the beginning of service.

"Deacon Louis will open with the introduction of our guest pianist", Pastor Raymond said before handing my grandad the microphone.

Grandad wiped the sweat off his forehead, stood up straight, and spoke into the mic, "First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for coming home and honoring our Lord Jesus Christ on this glorious day. The birth of Christ is a joyous occasion and I feel so blessed to share today with y'all here. As you may know, Brother Thomas has been battling the flu for the past week and could not make it to service today. Please continue to keep Brother Thomas and his wife Sister Wanda in your prayers. I am honored to announce that we have a guest pianist today, Mr. Donald Earle DeGrate Jr. Mr. DeGrate was raised in the Beacon Light Pentecostal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina which is pastored by his father, Mr. Donald Earle DeGrate Sr. Mount Zion, please welcome Mr. DeGrate", grandad said eloquently.

The church erupted in applause and I could hear teenage girls behind me whispering saying "Omg, how did Devante Swing find out about our small country church?"

"I'm gonna ask him for his autograph after service." 

"You think he has family down here?"

"I heard his girlfriend is from here, I think it's Deacon Louis's granddaughter," 

I silently laughed at the girls fangirling over someone who is occasionally scared of the dark and watches Ninja Turtles every Saturday morning.

Donald started playing and the church went quiet, memorized by how easily he glided his fingers across the keys. He opened with "My Eye is on the Sparrow" and the choir joined in. I closed my eyes and listened to the music, swaying back and forth. I looked around and recognized so many people from my childhood. Mr. Willie who owned the general store in town, who always sent me cookies and candy for a good report card. Mrs. Carmichael, the town seamstress who made my prom dress and rode up to Foxcroft with grandad to drop it off. Mr. Bruce and Ms. Myrtle, our neighbors who taught me how to make rabbit traps and skin the rabbits in one try. I felt so much at peace being home surrounded by my people and roots.

After service, I met Donald by the piano where he played the entire service. He had a look of peace on his face that I haven't seen in a long time.

"You enjoyed playing? I'm sorry grandad put you to work on Christmas Day", I said standing behind him as he closed the piano.

"Man, I needed that. I haven't heard a good word and played a good song in so long. I felt like I was back home with my parents, in our church, playing on a beautiful Sunday. I need to thank you grandad before I leave", he replied standing up.

"You leaving today?"I asked, looking confused.

"No, not today. I was thinking about maybe tomorrow. I want you to come home with me, but I can see how much you are enjoying your family", he said quietly.

"Well, everyone seems to love you. Especially Auntie Loretta and Diana. Why not stay a few more days? For me baby? Pleaseeeeee", I said pouting and fluttering my eyelashes.

De wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead, "How can I say no to that beautiful face? Okay then babe. Three more days, then back to Jersey. Plus I want to spend some real quality time with you before I go back to the studio", he whispered into my ear. We held hands and giggled like teenagers walking out of the church. I want it to always be like this. Open, honest, easy. I love Devante so much, he'll never understand.