Rayvon
~My Herb~ Hello everyone, My name is RayVon Porter. I was Herb?s live-in caregiver since May of 2013. We are born in need of love and help to grow. As we grow we hope to be smarter and wiser but some may not have that luxury. Some may need a helping hand throughout their whole entire life and there are some who become older and need someone to care for them like in the beginning. At a young age I knew my spiritual gift is to help those with their needs and/or disabilities while living their lives to the fullest. I truly hope that was something I gave to Herb. When we first got together I said I wanted us to have fun and still do the things he loved like going to Sunset Cliffs and having a daily walk. I also incorporated some things I like to do which were to go and explore different places. In my mind, Herb and I became the Dynamic Dual of Pinky & Brain. (WHAT ARE WE DOING TO DO TODAY, BRAIN? WE?RE GOING TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!) So there we were, The Herbster & I running the streets of San Diego County, going to different places and having new adventures. It?s an extremely long list to mention but a few highlights were the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Island & its Ferry Boat ride, visiting the city of Julian for an afternoon lunch with pie, the circus and the movies. Any time we were out and about, Herb?s favorite food to eat was a good burger and I must say San Diego has several different places that did not disappoint Herb. I can also say the one thing that never changed when it came to Herb, was his appetite. That man could eat!!! Herb had the best neighbors. Next door is Julie who stop by and visit with him and sometimes brought over her daughter?s mother-in-law who just loved Herb to death. Herb would just listen to her talk and they would both smile at each other. When they left I would always ask Herb if he remembered her and he would tell me he never met her before in his life. I would fall out laughing and would show him the picture of them years ago. He would always say the same thing. ?That was her?!!? Then there?s The Brownie Lady that live across from Julie. Sharon would always bring over some goodies she would bake. The lemon drops were my favorite and Herb loved the brownies. He said she was a good cook. Across the street from Herb was the family of four. Two boys Axel and Avery who Herb has known since they were born and their parents Julie & Ted. Julie was the soft spoken one who grew beautiful flowers. Ted is the Soup Guy. He?d share some of his homemade soups with Herb. I never forget the time Herb said he wanted to take a walk. I was so excited because he hadn?t done so in about 4 days straight, so with us still in our pajamas, I put on Herb?s socks and shoes quickly so he wouldn?t change his mind. I went barefooted, hadn?t combed my hair and just looked a hot mess. Of course on this morning our wonderful neighbor Ted runs out to take a picture of us! I told Herb we could never become famous now. In my profession I mostly deal with the individual myself and the family members are just waiting for them to kick the bucket but with Herb?s family that was never the case. Herb would talk about his family nonstop EVERYDAY, especially about his dear Ellen who passed away several years ago. You could see his eyes were still full of his love for her. There is his beautiful daughter Jackie who always said I love you, Daddy when he answered the phone. Love you, love you too Jackie was his response. When his son, Jerry would call, he would ask, ?Is this my #1 son!!? Yeah, Dad it?s me your only son! I will never forget the first time Herb told me about his daughter-in-law, Renee, ?Oh, she?s a keeper and she can cook!? I would like to thank Herb?s family for the opportunity of being a part of their family and will continue to do so. Herb, I love you, miss you dearly and thank God and you for you.