From Whitney:  09APRIL2026

Rihanna wrote this song for Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther amongst other movies) after he passed. This reminds Whitney of Dad, and she put it in his memorial video.

She was listening to it yesterday and singing it all today.

https://youtu.be/Mx_OexsUI2M?…

Lift Me Up Lyrics

Song by Rihanna ‧ 2022

----+++++-----

Lift me up

Hold me down

Keep me close

Safe and sound

Burning in a hopeless dream

Hold me when you go to sleep

Keep me in the warmth of your love

When you depart, keep me safe

Safe and sound

Lift me up

Hold me down

Keep me close

Safe and sound

Drowning in an endless sea

Take some time and stay with me

Keep me in the strength of your arms

Keep me safe

Safe and sound

Lift me up

Hold me down

Keep me safe

Safe and sound

Burning in a hopeless dream

Hold me when you go to sleep

Keep me safe

We need light, we need love

lift me up in your arms

(Hold me down) I need love, I need love, I need love

(Keep me close) hold me, hold me

(Safe and sound) hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me

hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me

(Hold me down) hold me, hold me

(Keep me safe) we need light, we need love

Happy Birthday, Dadd-E. You would have been 68 years, forever Young today.

Because you were so nice and kind, you didn't want anyone to take time out and spend money on you..lol. Even when we were grown, you would ask for hand-written cards or for us to make something.

This photo, is the only time you let me take you out for your birthday, lol! Thanks for that.

On your last birthday with us, everyone in your building sang you Happy Birthday..maybe 50+ people, we want to the Arch, sat at the river, and finally made it to a St. Louis Cardinals game...you finally got the celebrations you always deserved!

Because you were such a Man of Peace, evertime I think of you, I see your smile and I hear you say, "it's ok LENA"

Your grandson made alot of music about you and your granddaughter wrote a piece about you.

I know great men exist, I was raised by one and birthed one. Love you to multiple universes, multiple infinities and beyond.

Jayy da Prince Song (grandson):

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8k…

Memorial Video:

https://youtu.be/NAUyOp8tQlk?…

Memorial Website:

https://everloved.com/life-of…

Whitney said this song is the epitome of Dad.  She can imagine Dad doing "his smile" and chuckling while hearing her say she is thinking about doing her Doctorate in Biblical Studies.  Love you always, Dad, multiple infinities and beyond!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch…

Song: Use me Lord

Artist: Reverand James Cleveland

I love you, forever and ever!!!

Your grandaughter was talking about her half birthday..I just realized it's the same day you transitioned.  (So many connections). She wrote an essay about you and was singing your song, "amazing grace" the other day.  (She didn't know it was your song.) Just another connection and reminder of you.

Your grandson is your twin!  Your since of humor, your drive, and especially your spirit and connection with God!

You were and will forever be a great, the greatest man!!!  Love you!!!

Dad, I was having a nightmare, not to long ago and screaming in my sleep (it happens).  I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry.

While sleeping, I felt a presence of peace right next to me and woke up and was at peace. I smiled and thought, awe, my Dad just checked on me and had a peaceful night sleep from then on.

When I woke up, my son said he heard me screaming and came and checked on me.  He has your spirit so much!  A man of God, a man of peace and who gives peace to others.  Thank you Dad!  Love you forever!!!