Mama

Chapter Fifteen

August 2001:

Aaliyah's funeral is this morning, and I'm a little nervous about singing. What if I can't finish the song with Elgin?

(Elgin is Ginuwine's real name)

I'm on my way to the funeral and I'm tired of the tears. I just want to see my best friend for one last time. My mother called and prayed with me, before I even took a flight to New York.

Lord, give me strength. Help me.
•••
"We will now have a selection by Mrs. Toni Braxton and Mr. Elgin Lumpkin." The pastor said. Elgin and I held hands walking on the stage together; looking at Aaliyah's brother, Rashad crying made me want to leave, but I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to my sister.

"Good morning everyone. This morning, we'll be singing 'It Is Well'; hope you're blessed." Elgin said. I looked at the organist and he started to play.

ELGIN:
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
"It is well, it is well with my soul."

TONI:
Refrain (may be sung after final stanza only):
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.

ELGIN:
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul. (Refrain)

TONI:
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain)

ELGIN:
O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
•••
The funeral service is done, and I couldn't even watch the casket go down into its plot. The final viewing, I placed an envelope with a picture of us together, along with Denim's sonogram attached. The repast was at Kidada's father's, Quincy Jones' home. Every wall had pictures of Aaliyah, along with Kidada, and her sister, Rashida.

"Mama, you put your foot in these macaroni." Damon said, to Mrs. Haughton. Aaliyah's mother, was a strong woman. She loved her daughter dearly, along with her son. Her mother treated Kidada, Rashida, and I as if we were her blood daughters.

"Thank you girls, for being Aaliyah's friend, sister, and comforter throughout her career. We love you and if you need anything, we are here for you." Mr. Haughton said. 'Mama' kissed our foreheads.

"Thank you guys for creating an angel. She'll be missed." Rashida smiled. I felt Denim kick me, and I made an uncomfortable face.

"Everything alright, Toni?" Mama asked.

"Yes ma'am, the baby is just kicking me, that's all." I smiled. I looked down at my stomach, and tears rolled down my face.

"What's wrong Toni?" Mr. Jones asked.

"I just miss her, that's all. She's going to miss the birth of her godson, and I can't call her to tell her that her godchild is getting on my nerves, and to come pick him up." I laughed. Others had small chuckles.

"Well, Aaliyah loved the baby to death. She cried to me, saying that you chose her to become the godparent, and I think that made her love you even more." Mama smiled.

"Thanks Mama." I said, holding her hand.

Four more months to go..💙