An overly-eager artist being welcomed into the industry is taken on a bumpy ride as she learns life does not have as many sunny days as she thought. Within the process, she comes to learn that her tour guide is a lot more important to her than she e...
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June 9, 1986 Minneapolis, Minnesota
If there is anything I remember about my 24th birthday, it's the way I was forced to be terrorized by my friends as I still lacked the ability to verbally retaliate. I had to sit still for a full 90 second gospel rendition of the birthday song performed by Prince and The Gang.
"Happy birthday! Happy birthday-ugh! I said the Lord has blessed ya'! Happy birthday!" Prince was singing in what I vividly recall was the most ridiculous, agitating gospel styled tone as was everyone around us was clapping behind him, harmonizing in the name of giving him a personal choir. Matt was playing the organ but he didn't do it just right, leading to Prince taking over.
Every once in a while, you'd hear Jerome say, "Yes, Lord! Glory!"
With me still being unable to talk, I had no choice but to take it. I covered my face in a fit of embarrassment as I leaned over into Omar's arms. He'd planned a surprise party. It was all just so cute at the time. We were in the beginnings of Paisley Park, the Washington Ave. warehouse we rehearsed in. At this time, Paisley Park was an upcoming venture on blueprints. My surprise party being held in the predeceasing space is special to me as I can see how the tradition bled in Paisley Park celebration. The blueprints were promising. On paper, it was already huge. He wanted it to be a musician's playland in the making.
That night, I remember, I had to fly out to Chicago for the finalizing of the dresses for Aaliyah's wedding. The best part was not needing someone to speak for me because not only was Uncle Dorian coming but Alexis was flying back with me. I think that was the best thing about the whole trip for me. She was out staying in Minneapolis to see Jerome for an extended amount of time so we went back together.
"Get yo' sexy ass over here and blow out these candles!" Prince shouted as Roy and Brenda came pushing out a cart with a large chocolate cake. Smiling, I optically thanked him. "Don't thank me, Birdie. This was all him. I was just gone give you those diamond earrings you wanted and call it a day." I was shocked that he'd give Omar any real credit, though his following words neutralized his behavior. Omar never bought me diamonds as big as the ones Prince gifted on holidays.
Omar pulled me into his arms again. I kissed him a little bit longer and a little bit harder than the first time. I didn't do it because it felt right but more like I had to. It was difficult to communicate the excitement and glee I felt with that kind of vocal restriction. After that experience, I truly applaud every deaf or sensory deprived person in the world. Surely, I could still hear but the barrier between communication made simple things about my days way harder than they should have been.
Stepping to the lit cake, I thought of my wish. What could I possibly wish for? I didn't know what else I could have needed. Everything felt right. My life was on a perfect track. I was at peace and I was becoming more successful every single day. So, I begged my creator— as I made the mistake of lacking specifics— to bless me with the gift of forever.
