Bailey Campbell Penn Aka Spaghetti, Mr. Calypso, Candy Man

Dearest Uncle Bailey: While I know intellectually and spiritually that you are gone, I write this tribute to comfort myself mostly. Death is surely like a thief in the night. Never in my wildest dream or imagination that I could have imagine that you would have been taken away so suddenly without even a good by. But I am glad that you were not taken away after a lingering illness but whatever your final moments may have been, I pray your departure was swift. I have gone back in my memory 1,000 times or more to remember when I last spoke to you, did I tell you that I love you. I am only hoping that I did. I even when back in my phone’s call history but I had already deleted the call log. Your phone calls were always talk about politics and reminding me about why you love girl children over boy children and never you ended the conversation without bragging about Melinda or David and the grand children’s accomplishments. After all you know how to brag. You learned it from your father Basil. Your sudden departure has shaken our family to the core. You mean a great deal to so many. I remember in one of our phone conversations you talked to me about God and how much grandmother prayed. I trust you made thing rights and that our hope remains to see each other again on the other side. I reminisce on the times as a young girl you will arrive in East End with some little something that you brought from your American travels for everyone including non-family members in the East End village. I remember your Navy bell bottom pants and sailor hats that you would leave behind. I reminisce on how you would stop by my office in St. Thomas and the smooching with the ladies in the office always promising to marry one and the little things you brought for each one. I reminisce that many of these drops bys ended with some money for my lunch an some crispy bills for your beloved sister as you referred to her. By your example, I have learned the true meaning of generosity and how to make people feel special. It may be as simple as giving out candy which your were famous for doing. Rest Easy Uncle, Until we meet again. Your favorite Niece (although you told me I was now sharing that spot with another cousin. But I was there first.) Your First Favorite niece Julia