Mr. Osbourne, Busha Ossie, Goose Neck, Grandpa, Fada, and Mr. O are some of the names you are affectionately known as, and not to forget one that I have learned lately, "Breakthrough." The list goes on, but for me and all his children he is simple "Daddy". My dad is a complex person and at times can be arduous, however; every time I look at myself and the things I do, I see him in me. I cannot deny the fact that my father's DNA is very pronounced in me. I am a little OCD with sweeping the yard and always picking up the leaves that fall. Like him, I want everything to be in place. The bible verse Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is your strength. I take comfort in this passage because I couldn't have imagine that I would feel this way now that you are not here. We loved you, and would have done anything for you. Despite your faults, we would gone after anyone that hurt a strawn of hair on your head but this is a different ball game. Just like his namesake, Nehemiah; "Daddy" is a man who sees things with his own eyes, and without all eyes seeing him. A man in no haste or hurry and he will not stop until he was finished with his work. He was very precise with his craft and a perfectionist. He would spend hours sanding and filling the holes in his carvings until they look flawless. Whatever projects you took on, you would attack them in the same manner. I admire your honesty, everyone wanted to work on your crash program projects because you were fair with their compensations, you gave all the materials that were entrusted to you for distribution by your constituency leadership. I have said to you many times, you were the poorest politician I have ever known, you kept nothing back for yourself. It didn't matter what I said, you did things your way. You gave everything and help everyone that came your way and is in need of your help. Whether it's a ladder, shovel, hammer, nails, you name it, Ossie would lend. My god! The man even bought an Iron Shoe Maker Booth Cobbling Tool, tacks, and glue. When some one had an issue with their shoe, especially the ladies, they would find him and get their shoe fix, free of charge. And guess what?, he was not a shoemaker; you go figure. At times I tried to let daddy see things my way, so I would say things to him like, daddy you're a jack of all trades and master of none; you have nothing to show because you gave everything away. Those words meant nothing to him, he would reply to me, "me a mi own man, nobody tells me what to do". For a man that did not have much, he was very resourceful, he adapted to each situation no matter how great or small the returns. He was not concerned with rewards or financial gain. Daddy you were the life of the party, and always have something to say lightening up the moment. Your dance, the way you move, slightly bend moving your right foot side to side with your right fingers point to the ground following every move; really cracks me up. Every time we have a get together we try to imitate you. People gravitated towards him because he was not preoccupied with status. Even those that society classified as the least among us were welcome in daddy's camp. His words, "you no better than no man and no man no better than you". Daddy you are one of a kind, ordinary, rear and special. I thank god for your life and the years he has loaned you to us, you will be sorely missed. Rest in peace daddy, love always. Jerlyn