August 8, 1985
“I’m not saying, ‘goodbye’. I’m just gonna thank you for giving me your room all to myself!” my brother joked when his turn came to hug me goodbye. The rest of my family stood smiling and laughing as my mother and baby sister, Kimberly, fought back tears. It was the complete Davis ensemble, including my older sister, Denise, who would be returning as a Junior to Fisk University in a matter of weeks.
We finished our goodbyes, and I loaded the bus towards the back, finding a spot where I could look and wave. I put on my Walkman headphones to distract myself from the sadness of leaving, which battled with the excitement of a new life. It was the beginning of a 27-hour bus ride from Hammond, Indiana (where I’m from, East Chicago) to Tallahassee, Florida.
That was 40 years ago, yesterday. The boy on that bus had no idea the man he’d become – or how different the road would look.
I thought about what I would say in a blog, but the responsibilities of the day got the best of me, so I’m sharing it today.
What I Wanted
I had so many dreams, so many expectations. My goals were simple:
- Make the college marching band (Florida A&M “Marching 100”)
- Date dozens of women and enjoy countless, unspeakable experiences (yeah, I said it)
- Form an R&B music group that travels nationwide, maybe world-wide and become a household name
- Still manage to graduate in 4 years – maybe 5 or 6 after having to tour
- Write an autobiography and maybe that great American novel
- Settle down after falling in love and get married at 40
- Start a huge, God-fearing family (and get called from time to time for reunion appearances during awards shows)
Sounds a little silly, right? Not so much, but true. It falls in line with the aspirations of many musicians. Here’s what really happened.
- I made the marching band
- I did play in a few groups
- Once I found my way (including self-esteem), I did have some wild, unspeakable experiences
- I did play in a few R&B groups (nothing really developed, but I had fun)
And something different happened. Something I hadn’t expected to occur until somewhere around 40-ish.
What I Got
I found God sooner than expected. I mean, I’d always known Him, but I decided to give my life to Him, well ahead of schedule. It was the best thing to ever happen to me. Sure, it changed the trajectory of my life, but that was probably for the best anyway, considering some of the “near misses” I had along the way (and we ain’t just talking babies and rabies – think shotguns – lol).
More importantly, it gave me focus, true direction earlier in the game. It helped me shape my decisions, my actions, and my words. It gave me purpose. It gave me a goal that was solid, one that would sustain me. One that was recyclable, in that I could pass it on to my children.
It led me to the right woman, who didn’t give me the family of girls and boys I had expected but enriched my life with four strong, handsome, loving, and loyal young men, each of whom I am indescribably proud. And now, two of them have given me a granddaughter and a grandson, the next-level blessing from God.
August 8, 2025
I’ve had multiple surgeries and health declines. A brush or two with death, to be a little more discreet. I’ve had a successful career as a Safety, Health, and Environmental Director. I’ve travelled and met my biggest musical idols. I’m not the kind of musician I expected to be, but I am still a songwriter and have since become a blogger and writer, hoping to release novels and screenplays soon.
Who & What I Am
And I’m still the prankster I was, oh so many years ago.
I was going to flood this blog with pictures to take you down memory lane with me, but I believe my words should and will suffice. You see, it’s the message that is most important right now.
I’ve given my best, I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve clung to my values, both Christian and familial.
And guess what? I’m still here.
The past is in my rearview mirror now, and the road ahead is wide open.
Who knows what the future holds?
So if you ask, would I change anything I did along the way? I’d say, “Not a doggone thing.”
Except, maybe, substitute a few of the Twinkies I enjoyed for salads.
Well, a LOT more.
Still, I’m a work in progress, even 40 years later.
Like what you read? Do you remember the old me? How has your journey been? Are you happy with your decisions? Would you change anything? Leave a comment in the section below. And be sure to sign up at the bottom for email notification of future posts from Kenny’s Camera, Cooking & Crazy Confessions at ZootsBlogSpot!
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