Hello All:
As many of you know, I recently lost my Uncle Adolf Dulan - a very special part of my life and one of the finest Black men on the planet. I knew his birthday was coming up - it's been in the back of my mind (really in the front of my mind) for weeks. And, I was somehow dreading and simultaneously looking forward to the day. I have had so many mixed emotions about losing him - though, philosophically, you never lose anyone - they're still in your heart and in your memories; their spirit is still very much with you. The physicality still makes it feel like "loss."
And if you think I'm feeling that way as just his niece, think how many thousands of times more my cousins, his sons - Gregory, Jeff, Terry and is daughters, Tiffany and Danielle, are missing him. He was a giant in our family.
No, I take that back- He is a giant in our family. He will always be a guiding, loving, inspirational spirit to us all. We each took with us a little bit of Adolf at our last family gathering in his home in Los Angeles, CA. We, all gathered together, the Dulans and those who were part of our extended family, whether they were spouses, offsprings, or close personal friends - not moments of sadness - but moments of remembrance about the very wonderful personal impact he had on all of our lives.
It's awe inspiring to know that a Black man can have come from such humble beginnings as did my uncle, and rise to such high esteem in his community,with his family members, peers, employees, and friends.
We will continue to say "Thank you Adolf" for a long time.
So as I was exploring how to extend my own personal birthday greetings to my dear Uncle Adolf, I came across this wonderful thought posted on FaceBook by a friend - and it was so appropriate that I just had to use it:
Remember: No one dies til the last one on earth ceases to speak his name. Adolf may not be accessible like he once was..but he will always be with you.
This is sort of a triple/quadruple whammy day for me: It's father's day - and Lou Wilson, the love of my life, and my Dad, Warner Dulan, Sr., have both made their transitions to the real of Ancestor/Angel. And most recently, and equally as painful, is the tact that Adolf, the last of my Dad's line, made his transition on May 1, 2017 - just over a month ago.
I'm celebrating his birthday along with Father's Day - really a bitter sweet time for me, right in through here. But it's also a time of fond remembrances. And I wouldn't be writing this if there weren't some real treasures here.
Coming up, I can recall how many times we pretend-made breakfast in bed for Daddy until we really got old enough to do it for real. It usually consisted of grits, biscuits, bacon, eggs and orange juice.
We always had to go to the local store, and with the money our Mom, Ruby Love, gave us, pick out something nice for Daddy - usually socks or a tie. But something that showed our love and appreciation for him. I'm sure, had we known how many Black families outside our little Oklahoma community didn't have fathers, we'd come up with something even more elaborate than just socks.
We always had to make a card - not just sign one - design one and then sign it - and say something nice about our dad.
It's a tradition that I carried with me into my own marriage - and the kids were likewise required to buy or make a gift and design a card. Breakfast in bed was an absolute must - and they got a big kick out of figuring out what to prepare.
It's all about love.
It's these days I treasure, and these days I miss going forward - but the memories are so wonderful that I still make sure I remember something special about them on Father's Day.
Like, my Daddy was an impeccable dresser. He was a quiet and deep thinker. He never missed a trick - even when I thought I was being slick, he could read me like a book.
Lou had this incredible sense of humor and this fantastic love for kids and education. In addition to his musicality, he was a great educator. He loved fun, but loved more watching children learn and explore.
Adolf, like my granddaddy Silas Dulan I, was an incredible story teller. He was also an impeccable dresser like Daddy (his older brother), and loved being around people. He was as outgoing as Daddy was quiet. But, like Dad, he had a way of sizing people up. He raised 5 beautiful kids and taught each of them his business ethics and the old family traditions that are so dear to us.
So, here's to the wonderful Dulan Men who have been and are wonderful fathers in their own right, including but not limited to:
My Baby Brother Silas Sylvester Dulan II and his handsome son, Silas Dulan III; my late cousin, Kenneth Dulan, Gregroy Dulan, who has raised two beautiful kids and is carrying forward the restaurant and hospitality business in grand style; Jeffrey Dulan, Uncle Floyd Dulan, Marc Dulan, and any of the hundreds of Dulan men that I have yet to meet, but know you flow from the same ethos and same DNA
But, I don't want to forget my own handsome Son, RA Wilson, who is the father of three - with a set of boy and girl twins, and a handsome young son just entering his teen years. He always tries to provide guidance, wisdom and fun with his three. They are all creative and talented like hie is - and all are being nurtured to develop their own talents as they grow.
My Son-in-Law Hugh Harrell, is a fun loving - but no nonsense guy, who has been instrumental is raising my two handsome grandsons as well. His breadth of knowledge is always amazing to me. Fun to talk to and fun to be with.
SO TO EACH AND ALL I WISH YOU A BLESSED AND HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hello All:
Today, June 18, 2014 is the 80th birthday of my uncle, Adolf Dulan - my dad's baby brother. He's definitely a Fine Black Man, and one of the most special people in my life. I can't say enough wonderful things about him; those of you who know him, know what a wonderful brother is - and simultaneously suave, sophisticated, positive, powerful and empowering. I have been blessed to have some great men in my family - and my dad and uncle are my top two heroes.
Below is an original piece I composed in honor of my Uncle Adolf Dulan
He took Los Angeles completely by storm
Make no mistake Adolf is a Fine Black Man
I'm celebrating his birthday along with Father's Day - really a bitter sweet time for me, right in through here. But it's also a time of fond remembrances. And I wouldn't be writing this if there weren't some real treasures here.
Coming up, I can recall how many times we pretend-made breakfast in bed for Daddy until we really got old enough to do it for real. It usually consisted of grits, biscuits, bacon, eggs and orange juice.
We always had to go to the local store, and with the money our Mom, Ruby Love, gave us, pick out something nice for Daddy - usually socks or a tie. But something that showed our love and appreciation for him. I'm sure, had we known how many Black families outside our little Oklahoma community didn't have fathers, we'd come up with something even more elaborate than just socks.
We always had to make a card - not just sign one - design one and then sign it - and say something nice about our dad.
It's a tradition that I carried with me into my own marriage - and the kids were likewise required to buy or make a gift and design a card. Breakfast in bed was an absolute must - and they got a big kick out of figuring out what to prepare.
It's all about love.
It's these days I treasure, and these days I miss going forward - but the memories are so wonderful that I still make sure I remember something special about them on Father's Day.
Like, my Daddy was an impeccable dresser. He was a quiet and deep thinker. He never missed a trick - even when I thought I was being slick, he could read me like a book.
Lou had this incredible sense of humor and this fantastic love for kids and education. In addition to his musicality, he was a great educator. He loved fun, but loved more watching children learn and explore.
Adolf, like my granddaddy Silas Dulan I, was an incredible story teller. He was also an impeccable dresser like Daddy (his older brother), and loved being around people. He was as outgoing as Daddy was quiet. But, like Dad, he had a way of sizing people up. He raised 5 beautiful kids and taught each of them his business ethics and the old family traditions that are so dear to us.
So, here's to the wonderful Dulan Men who have been and are wonderful fathers in their own right, including but not limited to:
My Baby Brother Silas Sylvester Dulan II and his handsome son, Silas Dulan III; my late cousin, Kenneth Dulan, Gregroy Dulan, who has raised two beautiful kids and is carrying forward the restaurant and hospitality business in grand style; Jeffrey Dulan, Uncle Floyd Dulan, Marc Dulan, and any of the hundreds of Dulan men that I have yet to meet, but know you flow from the same ethos and same DNA
But, I don't want to forget my own handsome Son, RA Wilson, who is the father of three - with a set of boy and girl twins, and a handsome young son just entering his teen years. He always tries to provide guidance, wisdom and fun with his three. They are all creative and talented like hie is - and all are being nurtured to develop their own talents as they grow.
My Son-in-Law Hugh Harrell, is a fun loving - but no nonsense guy, who has been instrumental is raising my two handsome grandsons as well. His breadth of knowledge is always amazing to me. Fun to talk to and fun to be with.
SO TO EACH AND ALL I WISH YOU A BLESSED AND HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!
I WROTE THIS FOR ADOLF ON HIS 80th BIRTHDAY ON JUNE 18, 2014
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hello All:
Today, June 18, 2014 is the 80th birthday of my uncle, Adolf Dulan - my dad's baby brother. He's definitely a Fine Black Man, and one of the most special people in my life. I can't say enough wonderful things about him; those of you who know him, know what a wonderful brother is - and simultaneously suave, sophisticated, positive, powerful and empowering. I have been blessed to have some great men in my family - and my dad and uncle are my top two heroes.
Below is an original piece I composed in honor of my Uncle Adolf Dulan
OWED TO MY UNCLE ADOLF - TRULY A FINE BLACK MAN
Original Poem By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
 |
| MY UNCLE ADOLF DULAN |
Today I pay homage to my Uncle Adolf the youngest son of Silas and Zady
Who today, June 18, reached the mile stone age of Eighty
Adolf Dulan who is none other
Than my dad Warner's baby brother
Whose big sisters Zethel and Alene
Had to keep him out of trouble and clean
 | |||||
| Top: (1)Silas & Zady Dulan; (2)Warner, Granddad and Grandmom, Bottom: Zethel, Adolf & Alene; (3) Granddad at the Old homestead in Luther Oklahoma;(4) Ruby and Warner Dulan; (5) Adolf, Zethel, Alene, and Warner Dulan - baby pictures |
Who emerged from Oklahoma to serve in Korea
And returned to embark on a different career
And I'm so proud to give you the schoolin'
Of what it means to be a Dulan
My Uncle has definitely done the name proud.
In his quiet eloquent way he's drawn quite a crowd
Loving the food on which as kids we were raised
He opened Aunt Kizzy's and was highly praised
He took Los Angeles completely by storm
This creative brother from an Oklahoma farm
And when Aunt Kizzy had closed her doors
He opened Soul Food Kitchen with customers by the scores
And when Aunt Kizzy had closed her doors
He opened Soul Food Kitchen with customers by the scores
 |
| Adolf and Mom at Aunt Kizzy's in Marina Del Rey, CA |
 |
| Serious eats Dulan Family Style at Soul Food Kitchen |
Make no mistake Adolf is a Fine Black Man
As are all the men of the Dulan Clan
The envy of brothers and the target of ladies
This youngest son of Silas and Zady
His energy, wit and charm are home spun
He's a skilled poker player, but does it for fun -
The father of five, he taught them what he knew
So into successful men and women they each grew -
He can hold his own in any conversation
He's traveled the world as well as the nation -
He shares what he knows and brings others along
His Millionaire Men's Club is still going strong -
He dresses like he just stepped out of GQ
His clothes are sharp and he is too!
He's an original son of the great Southwest
An Oklahoma Kid who don't take no mess
It's all about family no matter where he goes
We love him, he loves us and it definitely shows -
So I salute my Gemini Uncle who today turned 80
The youngest son of Silas and Zady -
And say I love you with all my heart A D
Big brother/uncle/mentor/friend – you're all that to me -
God blessed us all, but he really wasn't foolin'
When he made you a member of the family of Dulan-
HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE ADOLF
JUNE 18, 2014
FROM YOUR NUMBER ONE NIECE
GLORIA JEANNE
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
(c) Poetic License by GDWEnterprises 6/18/2014
Original Poem by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
 |
| ADOLF AND ME HANGING OUT IN HARLEM |
DEDICATED TO MY UNCLE ADOLF A. DULAN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
WITH MUCH LOVE AND FOND MEMORIES
I KNOW YOU AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY ARE NOW ALL TOGETHER AGAIN DECIDING ON WHERE TO HOST THE NEXT CHRISTMAS GATHERING -
WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU
STAY BLESSED
GLORIA JEANNE
JUNE 18, 2017
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