There is no one quite like Rod. I have met no one whose hustle spirit compares to his…well, other than Big C. I mean only a true hustler would have his shop open for fresh haircuts on Christmas Day. Who else you know does something like that?
In addition to his strong work ethic, Rod is straight up bananas! He’s always been famous for his “tell-like-it-is,” “saying-what-you-wish-could-say,” no-nonsense humor. On any given day, I, along with the rest of his fans, stop by his Facebook wall to check out his latest show, and we are never disappointed. We hang on every word…even right down to his “wait for it…wait for it….Booooommm!” Yes, Rod has often been the reason laughter suddenly erupts from my cubicle hell. I’m telling you, this man has a gift. When he finally takes time from his other entrepreneurial pursuits to launch his Internet radio spot, his name will join the ranks of Tom Joyner, Steve Harvey, Ricky Smiley, Doug Banks, Michael Baisden and Howard Stern. (I’m serious Rod…I know you have it in you!)
In the midst of his hilarious tirades, Rod always leaves us with something probing and inspiring. There was his dedication to his fallen musical brother Robert Champion that left tears in my eyes and a desire to be a true instrument of change. Rod, in his classic style, challenged us to express brotherhood based upon respect and not tradition. He didn’t care if any of his friends agreed or if he stepped on any of their toes. He just spoke up…something we all need to do.
One of his posts that really tickled my fancy was posted on December 6, 2011. Besides being hilarious, outspoken and hardworking, Rod is a romantic. (Yes, I said it Rod…you are!) That day he decided to post a letter celebrating outstanding women. It wasn’t a lengthy prose; most of Rod’s commentaries are short and on point. He just simply expressed thanks to women who are supportive and giving. Then in true Rod style, he indicated that he needed them. Then in his usual flair, he signed “A Very Apologetic Man.”
I was quite touched by this post. Maybe I’m delusional, but I hoped I was included among the women he was addressing. At least I hope Big C thinks so! So I reached out to Rod and told him that I wanted to address this post in my blog. True to form, he agreed. And I thought the only way I could do this was to follow Rod’s lead.
Dear Outstanding Man:
We, the outstanding women you addressed, felt it would be robbery to not respond to your beautiful letter.
Although you signed your letter as “A Very Apologetic Man,” you have no reason to be so. We know that your daily grinds are not wasteful attempts to simply occupy the space that you have been granted. See we realize that your dreams of making it include us…that you really have no desire to enjoy your success and achievements alone. The fact that you deemed us worthy enough to share your goals with us was proof enough.
So although the flowers and your kisses on the forehead are really appreciated, we don’t get upset when they are given less often while you are hustling away on your dream pursuit. For when you explained your plans to us, we felt your desire to take us with you. Your passion became our own, and we were prepared to make the sacrifice with you.
It’s not hard to be this way. We learned it from our mommies, aunties and grannies. These super-ladies taught us how to be the wind beneath your wings and your strength in silence. You experienced it from your own. Do you remember how your mom wouldn’t let you eat until daddy came in from work and when you finally did, she made sure that daddy had the biggest piece of chicken? Or how granny could take grandpa’s miniscule weekly pay and work magic that made you forget how hard times really were? And remember when Dad or Pops occasionally loss that pay on a get-rich-quick scheme or during a “just to work off the long week’s stress” card game? Mama and Big Ma just dug into the rainy day fund in the flour sack to make it through until the next payday. Your childhood memories of those women drew you to us in the first place.
We are prepared to go the long haul with you. We know the results you anticipate are not always guaranteed, but because of your drive, we know success, in some form, will be yours. We are prepared to be your sounding board and your kick in the pants whenever you need it. And when you need your shoulders or egos massaged...the simple warmth of our arms…a smile and wink from across the room…don’t worry. We got you baby!
Love always,
Your Supportive Lady