The Blog

A beautiful new baby girl arrived to parents Damond Haynes and Tangie Murray on Nov. 20th. I arrived just minutes after Tangie had given birth to my new cousin. I think this is the second time I’ve been present for the birth of a close relative.

Ailey’s birth was especially inspiring to me because I got to witness the formation of a new family as it unfolded. Damond was clearly smitten as soon as he took Ailey in his arms. And Tangie, although exhausted from such hard work, kissed and caressed Ailey like any loving mother would. Even more touching was when she asked Damond for her blessed oil — she anointed Ailey just before the nurses took her to get cleaned up. I’ll admit, I got a little teary eyed when I saw this.

So what’s next for this new family? Lots of firsts, for sure. And I hope I they know that I want to be as big a help to them as they have been to me since I’ve been in New York. (Three months now! Yikes! Time flies.)