From Gerald, 46

I had never felt more powerful, more strong as a man. But most of all, I felt like a father.

It was summertime in 2015. I was about three months into what would become a seven-year relationship with my girlfriend. We weren’t struggling, but we were making it work for the kids in us. One day, I had just come home with dinner for everyone: pizza and Hot Cheetos. I told everyone, “Get dressed, we’re going to the beach.” As we got on the freeway, my girlfriend, Smiley, turned to her kids and said, “Okay, look if I happen to go to jail or something happens, who do y’all want to stay with? Your grandma or your stepdad, Crow?” Without hesitation, both kids yelled, “Crow!” My girlfriend’s face froze in shock. She asked, “Why Crow?” They both thought for a moment and then answered, “Well Mom, with Grandma we’ll only have certain things. But with Crow, we’ll have everything we want and then some. I’m not gonna lie, I was on the verge of tears. I had never felt more powerful, more strong as a man. But most of all, I felt like a father.

P.S.  I’m also including a new song I wrote for any woman who’s been in an abusive relationship. This is for you. You deserve better. Please give feedback!

R&B by: Gerald
“Just for Yo Touch”

Verse 1:
Is this where you really wanna be?
I can tell by your eyes 

just for yo touch
Is he all that you really see?
Girl, there’s love in disguise 

just for yo touch
And I would never, ever hit you.
I would show you how to be with me,
So let’s take our time 

just for yo touch.

Bridge:
The fights, the pain, the screams
Are something you would never see.
Not in this life.
Just for yo touch.
And I would never betray you, trick you, or deceive you into believing lies.
What your goals are, mine are too.
[Break into Chorus]
Just for yo touch.

Verse 2:
Take your time, girl
You can breathe again.
Girl, you’re so damn fine, 

just for yo touch.
Let me show you how to believe again.
Let me blow your mind, 

just for yo touch.
And I would never give you a ring without meaning.
So let’s take our time, 

just for yo touch.