This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Aug. 6, 2012 - On Feb. 7, Dr. Damon Davis got an e-mail from Cbabi Bayoc. Davis, a Lansing, Mich., urologist, bought three days from Bayoc’s project documenting images of black fathers, 365 Days with Dad, and the artist wanted photos and information about Davis and his family.
Two days later, on Feb. 9, something happened that stopped nearly everything in Davis’ life. In late February, he finally sat down to write Bayoc back.
Portions of that letter follow:
“... I had planned to send you several pictures of inspiration as soon as I received your email. One was of my 2 daughters and the other was my father and me at my wedding where he served as my Best Man.
"Then my father passed away - suddenly, unexpectedly - 2 days after I received your email. And my world just stopped.
"My father was a great, kind man with the best heart of anyone I've ever met. He was generous to a fault (although he would say there is no such thing). I had been so wrapped up in my life - career, marriage, kids - over the past 18 years that I didn't get to spend as much time with him as I would have liked. We didn't vacation together, we hadn't fished in years, I never played a single round of golf with him. ...
"He was 67, but incredibly healthy, and I was 36 and just thought there would be more time for that. I thought about the future and imagined me taking care of him as he entered the golden years. I actually looked forward to the chance to take as good care of him as he did of me for so many years.
"And now he's gone, and the world just seems broken. I can't imagine smiling or laughing, although those were the things he did the most...
"It's taken me a long time to write this message. I don't know why I am writing it, I just needed to.
"I've attached a picture of my girls, and of me and my best man, the best man I knew. I love your work, and I look forward to seeing what you craft.
"I just wish I could have 365 more days with my dad.
"Many thanks,
"Damon E. Davis, son of Willie E. Davis”
A few weeks later, on March 14, the painting of day 72 popped up on Davis’ Facebook feed. For what felt like hours, Davis looked at “One More Fishing Trip,” smiling.
The next day brought “Best Dad, Best Friend, Best Man,” and Davis couldn’t stop laughing. Bayoc had captured exactly who his father was.
The day after that brought, “Still My Baby Girl,” showing Davis holding his two daughters, Zara and Zuri. When he saw that last one, he knew he had to get it together and keep on living.
Now, all three paintings by an artist Davis learned about on Facebook are among his most prized possessions. “One More Fishing Trip” hangs in his living room. He’s still looking for the perfect spot for “Still My Baby Girl.” And “Best Dad, Best Friend, Best Man” waits in his basement.
“It was so accurate and so true to my father,” Davis says. “I feel bad saying it, but I can’t really look at it.”
Not yet. But together, the three pieces tell the story of a time in Davis’ life and the messages they brought him.
Life is short.
Enjoy the moments you have.
And keep on living.