Her Freed Spirit

Graduation Part 1

Uncle Mike's POV

Today is a special day in the Taylor household. Today is the day Sophia Ann Taylor graduates from high school. My niece, my sweet pea, my not so little princess is taking a huge step towards the rest of her life.

I remember the first day I laid eyes on her.....

I carry Jeremiah on my back as we make our way towards a certain room. The colorful walls and decor of the hospital reminds me of our purpose being here. 407....405...403... Here we are.

"Ready to see mommy and daddy?" I look up and ask a three year old Jeremiah. He's been pulling on my dreads the entire time I've had him on my shoulders.

"Yes! Mommy and daddy!" He bounces on my shoulders.  I let him knock his little first on the door before we enter.

"Mommy!" Jeremiah yells as I put him on the floor. He runs to his mother's bed trying to climb the bed.  The three of us watch as his little legs fail him. His mother leans over and picks her son up before coving his face with kisses. I stand back and watch the beautiful scene of a happy family.

Jerald Taylor is my older brother. The only family I've ever known is him. Well that's not true. Mom and Dad gave us a family until they both passed a few years ago. Ann and Nicholas Taylor not only adopted is but gave us their last names. Mom was so sweet and kind while dad was goofy and always joking off. Despite them being white and us being black, they loved us regardless. Jerald and I were heart broken when they died a few months apart, but we found comfort in knowing they were together in their next life.

"Micky!!!! Come give your favorite sister in law a hug." Samantha's voice snaps me from my thoughts.

"I told you not to call me that!" I complain.

"Oh hush and come give me a hug." She laughs. I give her a gentle hub remembering the reason she is in the hospital bed. She kisses my cheek while I give her forehead kiss. I take in her slightly drained appearance. She long wavy hair is pulled into a loose bun on her head. Her hazel eyes are tired but shine with happiness. Her honey brown skin is still glowing while a smile graces her face. My sister in law is just beautiful.

"Hey don't be checking out my wife!" Jerald says before laughing. I pull him into a hug.

"Congrats on adding to the Taylor family. How are you feeling Sam?" I question her.

"I feel great. The baby was stubborn like her daddy. Good thing she didn't have his big head like Jeremiah did. I couldn't deal with that a second time." Sam jokes making me laugh while Jerald stale faces us.

"Mommy where's baby brother? I got him a truck." Jeremiah asks after looking around the room.

"Yes where is my nephew? I need to train him to be a cop like his uncle. He gonna pull all the hoes when he get older cause I'ma teach him how. So where is my nephew?" I ask getting excited to see the new addition my older brother and his wife added to the family. Sam and Jerald give me a wide smile as theirs a knock at the door.

"I'm coming in!" A voice calls out before entering the room. An elderly white nurse enters the room pushing a little bassinet I know holds my nephew. "Ooo the Uncle and big brother have arrived. I just came to deliver baby Taylor now that all the tests and cheeks are done. The baby is all healthy and so is mommy. So just press the yellow button if you guys need anything." She gives a friendly smile before leaving and closing the door.

A small whine comes from the bassinet causing our eyes to look towards it. "Jeremiah there is someone me and mommy want you to meet." Jerald picks up the tiny baby wrapped in a green blanket with a tiny green hat on its head.