Earlier this month I saw A Star Is Born. It was incredible, and while emotionally gripping, it embodied a blend of pain, inspiration, and beauty all wrapped into the makings of a great story. The soundtrack is incredible too. I’m a huge fan of both Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga and enjoy their work, so it wasn’t shocking to find the film enjoyable as well. If you haven’t seen it, be advised that it may make you smile, and may certainly make you cry. I was impressed with Bradley Cooper’s singing and portrayal of a likable yet haunted musician in search of something more, and Lady Gaga’s portrayal of a rising star who inevitably soars to incredible heights. Seeing the two connect in the films love story was beautiful too, but tragic when tested by fame, addiction, and a number of other conflicts that would shake the foundation of a somewhat complicated love story. If you haven’t seen the film, check it out. It’s worth the admission. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!
About a year ago, I had a dream my dad wanted to talk to our family about something serious. I wasn’t sure what he wanted to discuss, but I knew it was something I needed to prepare myself for. Around the time after I had this dream, I remember stopping by my parents place and sensing something was going on that they weren’t telling me. I tried to dismiss what I’d been feeling, but I couldn’t shake it. Something serious was happening. As I returned to my home after visiting them one day, I was in my kitchen washing dishes when a heaviness hit my heart like nothing I’d ever felt before. Something’s wrong with dad. That’s what that dream was about. God, what’s going on? As I continued washing dishes, I started crying and praying. Then in mid-spring, my dad held an unexpected family meeting that would change all our lives forever. He hesitated at first, and as his voice started cracking and he started crying, he said, “Well, I wanted to talk to ya’ll to tell you that I have kidney disea...