As I am getting closer to being another year older, so many things happen that make me reflect on life. Wondering if I have done your best so far. Thinking of my future goals. And, wondering how people in my life see me. This past week a part of my childhood memories was altered after the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. I wasn’t born when ‘The Cosby Show’ premiered, but I was around before it went off air. There are very few shows I’ve seen episodes multiple times and I can quote a lot. ‘The Cosby Show’ is one of these shows. I even have the whole series on DVD. In seeing tributes to Malcolm-Jamal this week, I saw a recent interview he did, where he talked about what he would want to be remembered for. He said he wanted to be remembered as a ‘good person.’
Being a good person is not something many think about as part of their legacy. I always make the statement “If you want people to come to your funeral, you should aways show up when you can.” Being a good person is showing up to those closest to you in the good and bad times. Even when it’s not someone you are close to there are ways to show support. I also say, “I like people, but I don’t like people.” I get along with everyone. But it hurts my spirit when I see people do things to intentionally hurt another person. You never know if they can do the same to you. The world is currently going through it and there are many people in it who are not good. They should be reflecting on what they can do to become better people.
Malcolm-Jamal would have celebrated his birthday very soon, but it must have been his scheduled time to depart physically. Many in his circle inside and outside of the entertainment industry have said he was truly a good person. So, what he wanted for his legacy was accurate. Now, for myself, I hope God has it that I have many more years to take up space in this world. In this time I will do my best to continue to do the work set forth for me. When it’s my time, I too hope that others will define me as ‘a good person.’ May Malcolm-Jamal Warner rest in peace. It is being reported that his daughter was in the water with him at this time. I pray she heal in the best way possible because witnessing this is horrible. May his family and friends find comfort in this time of mourning.
Below you will find some of my favorite episodes/scenes from ‘The Cosby Show’ that featured his character Theo as another part of his legacy.