Wedding Party

Emily Kaufman

Bride

Terryl Dozier

Groom

Ashley Wessier

Woman of Honor

Em met Ashley when she interviewed for a spot in Em's 5th floor walk-up, railroad apartment (the one with the tiniest bathroom of all time and the occasional roaches and mice). Truth be told, Ashley wasn't Em's first choice... but fate intervened and Ashley won the coveted middle bedroom spot, getting to spend each day prancing through Em's bedroom as she entered and exited her room. Needless to say, they got close pretty quickly and soon moved from roommates to best friends. Over the years, Em and Ash have supported each other through all that life has thrown at them. They've provided each other a listening ear or a couch to sleep on during life altering break ups and overwhelming break downs. In fact when the opportunity arose, they went right back to living together, this time on the first floor with a much bigger bathroom and way less bugs! Most spectacularly, Ashley and her wonderful wife, Sherri, made Em a "Titi" (and Terryl a "Big Baba") to their perfect little boy, Mickey. Em had the privilege to stand beside Ashley right here at Full Moon when she joined her life with Sherri. It's only fitting to be back at Full Moon on Em's most special day, with Ashley as always, standing by her side.

Phillip Dozier Jr.

Best Man

March 4th, 1985, Terryl was born. Since that date, he has had his older brother by his side. His friends may know him as "Phil" or "Big Phil", but to Terryl, he will always be just "Mikie". The guy Terryl would try to body slam while playing WWF, the guy who saved him on more than one occasion when little Terryl thought he was a superhero who could fly, the guy who most recently taught Terryl that straight gin can actually taste good. Beyond being the brother that Terryl can rely on, over the past 7 years, he has become a key model of fatherhood. Mikie juggles his two rugrats, Tre & Kian, with so much skill, love, and pride that it'll cause the coldest heart to melt. Whoever thought that this once 360lb lineman, amateur gangster rapper, cigar-smoking, bourbon-drinking behemoth of a man would turn fatherly soft, tying shoes and kissing boo-boos. It truly is the best version of his brother and Terryl is filled with admiration. Mikie was by Terryl's side on March 4th, 1985 and Terryl is honored to have him by his side on August 22nd, 2020.

Mikami Puchon

Bridesperson

Mikami is Em's long lost sibling. Mi is grumpy and does not hold back saying what's on their mind - no matter how blunt. They are also the person Em calls when she needs a free therapy session and a loving kick in the ass. Mikami and Em started as work friends. When Mikami left the job, they famously remarked to Em that the friendship would probably fizzle because work friendships rarely last (who says that?!?) Determined to prove Mi wrong, Em set out to cultivate their friendship. They spent countless hours chatting on Mi's front stoop, getting massages at Spa Castle and even going "naked hiking" in Vermont! Em was so successful at building the friendship that she was able to recall this story when giving a speech at Mikami's wedding - right here at Full Moon! Yep, Mi and their wife Ashley discovered Full Moon, inspired Ashley and Sherri to wed here and now Em and Terryl are completing the trifecta of Full Moon weddings... just as soon as they finish their trip around the world. Oh yea, Mi and Ashley were the inspiration for that one too! Clearly Mikami is charting the path for Em's life! Mi and Ashley recently welcomed beautiful baby Scarlett into the world. If history is a predictor of the future, the next milestone Em and T celebrate might well be a baby shower! But first thing's first, Em needs Mi standing beside her in August.

Clarissa Tiffany Dozier

Best Woman

Story goes that when Tiffany was born, little Terryl immediately ran up the stairs saying, "hold on, I have to bring my baby a toy." Since that day, little Tiffy has somehow managed to extract from Terryl a new toy/gift, every school field trip....every college break...every out-of-town vacation... 35+ years. She has and always will be "Terryl's baby sister", no matter how much Terryl screams, "You are no longer two years old!" While being the pain-in-the-neck sister, reality is, Tiffany has made being a big brother one of Terryl's most rewarding roles. He is proud of who his sister has grown up to be -- the dedicated teacher who would do anything to help her "babies" grow, the giving aunt who spoils her young nephews, the caring daughter always checking in on her aging parents, the down-to-get-down sibling who Terryl can count on for a much-needed liquor-store run. Terryl is proud to have Tiff as a sister and even prouder that she will be at his wedding as his best woman. Oh yea, and Tiffy, Terryl promises there will be no late-night fish put in your room at this wedding.

Laura Myers

Bridesmaid

When Terryl and Emily ended their first go at a relationship, Emily lost both Terryl and her friendship with Anna Myers (Terryl's best friend and roommate at the time). Losing the man she loved and the friends that came with it hit deep. But as luck would have it, Emily was about to meet a Myers of her very own... Laura Myers, Anna's sister, moved to Brooklyn shortly after the break-up and Anna connected them straight away. Em and Laura met for the first time on a Monday night at a monthly white, anti-racist group meeting and they've been talking about social justice and organizing together ever since. Laura even made the trek out to Long Island with Em to co-facilitate monthly LINC meetings for the first 2+ years of its existence, helping to get the organization off the ground. Or was it in fact, for the DiRaimos chicken parm dinner?!? Em and Laura are never short of conversation. Whether it's family, work, relationships, or politics they process and process until every inch of their thoughts and feelings have been picked apart and turned over twice. Laura is thoughtful, intentional and vulnerable, all beautiful qualities that she brings to her friendship with Em. Emily is grateful to have Laura standing by her side on the big day and she is already looking forward to processing the wedding weekend with her afterward.

Corey Cotten

Groomsman

“Unlike the puerile loyalty to a conviction, loyalty to a friend is a virtue – perhaps the only virtue, the last remaining one.” - Milan Kundera Terryl & Corey's friendship spans 20+ years. Terryl knows Corey and all his many identities -- Corolous, Corey-Op, and of course, Corey "Forthemingue", let’s go!!! Through thick and thin, Terryl and Corey have been through it all. Normally, it's Terryl bailing Corey out of some issue -- but that's only 1 perspective -- just ignore any unflattering story Corey might tell about Terryl, and he has many. In truth, Corey is much more than a great friend, he's a second brother to Terryl. The two of them have had endless fun adventures together — from hunting “Mikies” in our best Steve Irwin voice, to searching for two front teeth in Terryl’s basement, to running around squealing after jumping Big Phil and Poppa Dozier - they are always getting into something. Make certain to congratulate Corey and his fiancé, Elise, as they will be getting hitched the Thursday before Terryl and Emily. You’ll know him by the Dora the Explorer socks he’ll probably be wearing! But even as a newlywed, you better believe that come reception night, Corey will be joining Terryl as they turn up on the dance floor!

Ginna Parker

Bridesmaid

If you know anything about social workers, it's that they are always behind on their paperwork. That is, unless that social worker is Ginna. She's a true social work unicorn. It really pisses Em off! Ginna is a social worker and friend that Emily truly admires. Besides her paper work prowess, she's deeply committed to her clients and friends, compassionate, and grounded in love. She also loves a good adventure and is up for pretty much anything. Wanna hike the Inca Trail in Peru and celebrate the feat by getting nose piercings in Lima? Wanna lounge on a boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam and explore the floating villages? Maybe you'd like to bike around the beautiful temples in Bagon, Myanmar? Or perhaps you'd prefer to stay local and check out the Renaissance Fair upstate, or just grab brunch in the city. You name it and Ginna will be there... on time... waiting for Em!! Em is grateful that Ginna puts up with her and is proud to have her standing by her side as she embarks on this next adventure (but she's still pissed about the paperwork thing!)

Scott McCord

Groomsman

Terryl met Scott during his year abroad in Timor-Leste -- this friendship between Scott & Terryl has become one of the few key and lasting friendships from this period in Terryl's life. Terryl has seen Scott in his many glorious phases, from pirouetting on the dance floor, to being “boy crazy”, to settling down and finding the love of his life. On November 1st, 2019, Terryl had the honor of officiating Scott's wedding to his now husband, Graham. In his speech about Scott, Terryl wrote "You’re consistent in being the friend your friends need you to be...it’s often you who reminds us of our own voice, whispering in our ears, providing the guidance we understand to be true." Scott has always been a relied-upon friend with whom Terryl can share his greatest vulnerabilities. Even though Scott now lives in Paris and Terryl is constantly scheming to get him back to NY, Terryl is excited to have Scott as one of his groomsmen. Now he just hopes that he can keep Scott out past the ceremony -- Scott's bedtime is approximately 8pm.

Doug White

Bridesman

Meet Doug White. Doug and Em met in 2006 as Outward Bound wilderness instructors where they shared a tent for 30-days straight while trying to create a safe environment for 11 "delinquent youth" to learn and grow. No, the incident where the shotgun was fired toward the group was most definitely NOT part of the plan! Doug is a man of many talents. He's one of the most reflective and thoughtful men Em knows, always striving for self-improvement. He's a phenomenal artist, a caring teacher, a hard working painter, and still an occasional wilderness instructor. Though they don't see each other or talk often, their connection is strong, maintained by crass humor, sarcasm, teasing, existential questioning and most importantly, deep, vulnerable sharing. Em last saw Doug in Greece where he joined Em and Terryl on their worldwide adventure. They went hard in Greece. Doug taught Em how to problem solve, putting her problems in the problem-solving bucket of problems that got solved after she became aware of the problem and now they're not problems anymore!! Doug and Em's friendship began in the woods, a shared experience that bonded them for life. Who'd have thought that 15 years later Doug would be all dressed up, neat and shiny in a suit and tie, standing next to Emily to celebrate her wedding day. Yahtzee!!

Donte McGuire

Groomsman

When Terryl met Donte in his sophomore year of college, the two proceeded to have a 2 hour debate about the meaning of masculinity in a cis-normative society... or something like that. College was simply one big philosophical debate with these two! One time they debated so hard and for so long, that Terryl dropped to his knees thinking he was having a heart attack...true story. Oh, the good ol' days! Terryl is truly grateful for his friendship with Tae. This relationship furthered Terryl's emotional growth by lightyears. It was this friendship that first showed Terryl that men can be emotionally vulnerable with one another. Terryl can vividly remember Donte sitting in his college dorm room questioning in his slow pensive voice, "Dozier, then who do you share your emotions with?" It was at that precise moment, Terryl realized that men can have emotions...mind blown! To Terryl's chagrin, Donte doesn't debate anymore, apparently he has Buddha'd out of it. He is now too busy being an amazing father and even better husband to entertain Terryl with never-ending debates. Nevertheless, it has been an honor to have Donte as a a friend and it will be an honor to have him as a groomsman in this wedding.

Anna Myers

Officiant

For Valentine's Day, Terryl recently gave Emily an amazing gift. A life-changing gift. No, it wasn't the engagement ring. NO, she is not pregnant! He gave her a blanket. Not just any blanket though, a gravity blanket. Have you slept under one of those? Felt how it enfolds you in comfort? Been swaddled in its all-encompassing warmth and security? As you squirm and wiggle through the night, it holds you in place - like a mother patting your back, whispering "Don't worry, I'm here." Anna is a gravity blanket. She exudes a love that wraps around you. She meets you with a smile that radiates warmth. She leaves you with a feeling that says, "I know you, I love you, I accept you." Terryl & Emily are blessed to have Anna in their lives and grateful to be held by her on this most special day.

Keon McGuire

Groomsman

From the moment that Terryl met Keon in his sophomore year of college, he knew he found someone special. Keon is Black Intellectualism at its finest, carrying on his shoulders a beautiful tradition of academia put forth by thinkers like W.E.B Du Bois. Of course, in college, one can drown in all that depth! Yon's OCD cleaning tendencies and former fire-and-brimstone ways created many tense nights. Terryl still wakes up sweating, remembering arguments about draining the bathtub, of all things, the correct way. THERE IS NO CORRECT WAY, YON! Nevertheless, Keon's kindness makes his friendship one Terryl would never give up. He takes great care in all of his relationships, whether they've been life-long or simply passing moments. Terryl remembers a time at brunch, when Keon was worried he offended a waiter's feelings based on an innocuous statement he made. After leaving the restaurant, he made a point to return and apologize for any offense, modelling humility and care for the feelings of even the most temporary person in his life. In 2016, Terryl had the privilege to officiate Keon's and his equally impressive wife, Meske's, wedding - a commitment to love he hopes this wedding can emulate!

Jesse Levine

Ceremony Musician

Every year, Em has the privilege of spending a week with her cousin Jesse at their annual Bethany Beach family vacation. Jesse brings the music. That's right, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, the Beatles - you name it, Jesse can play it - guitar, keyboard, drums. Oh, and he sings too! It doesn't hurt that the guy has perfect pitch.  While Jesse's brother, Ethan, is known for bringing the laughs to the beach, he isn't the only comedian in the bunch. Jesse can do a mean Mitch Hedberg impersonation. He may not want a frozen banana now, but he might want a regular banana later, so... (keeping the legend alive)! Just don't ask him to play Monopoly Deal. He's got no patience for that craziness, and with good reason. Em and Terryl are truly grateful that Jesse has agreed to bring his beautiful voice and musical talent to their wedding ceremony, serenading the bridal party and the couple as they journey down the aisle. As for the Mitch Hedberg impersonation, you'll have to find him at the reception for that one.

Dylan Alban

Groomsman

If you know Terryl, you might know that he prides himself as an amateur mixologist. In fact, he has a cocktoo list. What's a cocktoo, you may ask? A cocktoo is the name of a cocktail that has been personally and perfectly crafted to reflect an individual -- your own cocktail tattoo -- a Cocktoo. Terryl has created cocktoos for all of his close friends, except one.... Dylan...or should I say...Mr. Business. How do you capture the essence of Mr. Business. His boisterous laughter. His worldly, international prowess. His ability to make a friend everywhere he goes...oh, you don't know Dylan yet, if you're going to this wedding...you will! Yet beyond being the life of the party, Dylan is also the guy with whom you can sit back, hookah pipe in hand, singing the sweetest tune of life. No way a single cocktail will ever capture him!

Kristen Toedtman

Ceremony Musician

Em was only 3 years old when she met Kristen, the musical and imaginative girl who'd also just moved onto the block. Over the years, Em would find herself doing most anything this cool older neighbor's creative mind dreamt up: put on roller skating shows in the basement, dodge cannons aimed at the inflatable boat in the pool, and recite every word to the greatest movie of all time - Dirty Dancing. Since leaving their childhood homes, Kristen and Em have managed to stay connected. They've spent hours pondering the wonderous questions life has presented to them, be it under the soft moonlight on the shores of Bethany Beach, the street lights of NYC when Kristen passed through town, or spontaneous phone calls that had one of them thinking of the other after many months had passed. 36 years after meeting in their front yards, Em is delighted to have Kristen sharing her musical being with everyone present as she coordinates the sounds of Em and Terryl's wedding ceremony. Em's walk down the aisle will be even more special with Kristen's music guiding the way.

Anita Patel

Groomswoman

Anita is one person Terryl has kept up with since his baggy-pants wearing, cornrowed-styling glory days of high school. Ever since then, Anita has been the adult among children, and when it comes to Matt, Terryl, Em, and Anita hanging out, often she still is the only adult! There are those nights, after debating for hours some existential nonsense that Em and Terryl say, "I wonder if we get on Anita's last nerve." Yet, as always, when they meet again...she openly gifts them her valuable electrons! Anita is infectious, beloved by everyone who comes into contact with her, and the topic of many an argument between Em & Terryl regarding whose side she will stand on. Terryl is happy to report, "it's mine, of course!" In truth, her caring heart and rock solid presence has made her a friend that Emily and Terryl can continually rely on. Terryl and Anita have come a long way since Junior Prom, where she put up with Terryl being an hour late in picking her up. Terryl is excited to have Anita by his side, where she'll probably have to put up with more of his shenanigans.

Ethan Levine

Usher & Keeper of the Playlist

Everyone needs someone in their life who makes them laugh - like, always! No matter what time of day, no matter what the topic, when they open their mouth something funny comes out. Em's cousin Ethan is that guy. Ethan is a joy to be around. Em is fortunate to spend one full week in his presence each year at the family's annual Bethany Beach vacation. Sometimes Ethan has Em laughing in the ocean, sometimes it's during dinner, or mini golf, or at the arcade. Most recently, it's been over the the game Spot It when Ethan had Em and others doubled over with laughter for 10 minutes straight (My wife stole my card!!) As the parentals head off to sleep, and the laughter dies down, Em cherishes the late night walks she and Ethan share down the beach (technically, they walk along the road... but it's right near the beach) where more serious and vulnerable sides come out. Ok, sometimes those walks are filled with laughter too. I told you, he's that guy! Em is honored to have Ethan as an usher and manager of the playlist during the wedding ceremony. More than that, Em is grateful to have Ethan in her life.

Matthew Sheehan

Groomsman

If Anita is the sole adult in the foursome of fun, then her husband Matt is the #1 problem-child! Terryl won't lie, the first day that he met Matt, he sized him up. He's so tall that it took Terryl about 30 minutes to do so. Matt has quickly become one of Terryl's favorite people. Terryl has come to crave the dates that the two go on...sitting in a bar, sipping an ol' fashioned (no soda), and just talking. Talking about life. Talking about sentiment. Talking about existence. He is, without a doubt, the deepest brother that Terryl knows, and the absolute best author! Ok, he is the only author that Terryl knows - but still. Fun fact: In an interesting turn of events, Matt recently became an Irish lord. When you see him at the wedding, do Terryl a favor and greet him with a little bow and a "pleasure to meet your acquaintance, mi Lordie" in your best Irish brogue. This will be all the more delightful and ironic given Matt's disdain for the bourgeoisie. All jokes aside, it's only been a few years, but it seems Terryl has known Matt for a lifetime. He truly is a one-of-a-kind person that you need on your side. Terryl's overjoyed that he's on his!

Terrance Nivens

Usher

Terrance was only 12 years old when Terryl met him. Since his teenage years, Terryl wanted to be a big brother through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and was blessed to be matched with Terrance. If Terryl had one phrase to describe Terrance, it would be “poetic genius.” Always modest, Terryl will take at least 40% of credit for this genius, having introduced Terrance to spoken word poetry while he was in college. However, what few people know is that Terrance opened the door for Terryl to have his first job out of college as program director of the Winston-Salem Youth Arts Institute. Terrance is not shy, so if you get a chance, ask him to spit a quick poem for you, I promise you’ll be amazed! Likewise, Terryl is amazed at the man Terrance has grown to be, and is excited to have this budding genius as a part of his wedding ceremony.

Brent Morita

Groomsman

Terryl met Brent on his first day of work in NYC. He might look young, but don’t let his appearance fool you, Brent is basically a grandpa in DOE years. He showed Terryl the ropes of the DOE, began Terryl’s career into intramural NYC sports, always has some candy on him, and introduced him to the group Terryl aptly calls the “Dodgeball Crew”. In many ways, Brent has become "that guy". You know the type. The guy you call on when a solution is needed. If Terryl has a work problem, call Brent. If Terryl is looking for a fun time, call Brent. If Terryl wants someone to simply watch the game with, call Brent. He's humble, he's reliable, and he's always down! Most importantly, Brent is a true gentleman, the type of guy who will give you his last hoodie, while he stands shirtless in a snowstorm. Rumor has it that Terryl may still have a pair of pants and shoes that Brent loaned him, but “ssshhhh”, we’ll keep that our little secret. One thing is certain- no party is complete without Brent present. He is the guy you need to have in your corner, and Terryl is honored to have him as a part of the wedding ceremony.

Phillip Dozier III (Tre)

Flower Child

Phillip Michael Dozier III, or commonly referred to as simply “Tre”, holds the coveted spot as Terryl’s first nephew. Don’t let appearances fool you, he might look like a 10-year old budding linebacker, but he’s actually a 7 year old defensive end! In Tre's eyes, Uncle T walks into a room and transforms into Megatron, the evildoer trying to destroy Optimus Tre and his younger brother BumbleKeeks. Led by Optimus, the three of them wrestle until Uncle Megatron grasps his lower back, realizing that it’s about to give in and throws in the towel — Optimus wins the day! Always kind, loving, patient, happy to teach and have his young brother tag along, Tre is on his path toward being a wonderful young man. Hilary and Mikie are definitely doing something right raising this little guy.

Kian Dozier

Ring Bearer

Kian, also known as Keke or Keekers, younger brother to Tre, is the most steadfast child that Terryl has ever met. Don’t try to tie his shoe - he can do it. Don’t try to push him on his tricycle - he can do it. Don’t try to help move the soccer goal that’s twice his size - he can do it. Nothing deters this boy! He might follow after big brother, but at only 4 years old, he is determined to make his own way in the world. Spend five minutes with him, and you know this child is bound for greatness. Overflowing with cuteness, he will have you eating out the palm of his hand as he flashes that big smile and you count each one of his baby teeth. A natural born leader who knows how to use his assets!

Lynn Klein Kaufman

Mother of the Bride

For as long as Em can remember, her mother has lovingly referred to her as "my gift from God". But in truth, if God does in fact exist, it is Em to whom a gift has been given. Getting to be raised, loved and supported by a mother like Lynn is a gift Em recognizes and appreciates daily. While Em's mom may tell you that Em doesn't call often, she's actually the person Em knows she can call for... anything. It's just that "anything" doesn't happen on a weekly basis! When there's exciting news to share, call mom so she can join in the fun and gush with pride. If there's a crisis brewing, mom's the one to reassure Em that she's capable of handling it. Feel sick? Definitely call mom! She can talk Em off the ledge of the latest disease she imagines she has. Need to vent about the state of the world? Call mom to commiserate and organize folks to action. No matter how old Em gets, no matter where in the world she travels, sometimes, she just needs her mom. Thankfully, whenever Em calls, her mom is there, ready to give her exactly what she needs. A mom who is there for all of it: the smiles, the tears, the excitement, the anxiety, the laughter, the frustration, the joy, the pain. All. Of. It. You see? It was, in fact, Em who was given the gift. Muck love, Mom.

Jonah Kaufman

Father of the Bride

Emily's father, Jonah, is a man of integrity and principle. His moral compass points due north and his beliefs and actions align. He is loving, compassionate, optimistic and forever the realist, living by the motto "things are never as good or as bad as they seem". He's the man Em has looked up to, admired, learned from, and respected for 39 years; the man who models joy and appreciation for life's beautiful moments, hidden from most in plain site; the one who stays calm, grounded and able to keep perspective in life's difficult times, helping Em to remember, and believe, that everything will be ok. He's smart, kind, endlessly generous and he even makes an unexpected zinger every now and again! As Maya Angelou so eloquently said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". Em has lost track of all the nuggets of wisdom her father has imparted on her, and she'll never be able to log all the caring and selfless actions he's taken, but she will always remember and cherish the way her father makes her feel: deeply loved, valued, respected, and beautiful, both inside and out. Emily is well aware of the many blessings she's been given throughout her life. Having the privilege to be her father's daughter ranks at the top of the list. Muck love, Dad. In the words of the great Phil Collins, "You'll be in my heart, always".

Phillip Dozier Sr.

Father of the Groom

Mr. Phillip Michael Dozier Sr., Terryl’s father. The man that gave Terryl his rugged good looks. The man who shares Terryl’s love of newsboy caps and blues. The man who gave Terryl his refined palette for oysters, sushi, chipped beef, pickled herring, and chitterlings. If you wonder how Terryl ate brain in Mombasa, well you can draw a direct line of food experimentation straight to Terryl’s first taste of Phil’s pig intestines, which even the dog refused…thanks Dad! Phil is the father who coached Terryl’s little league sports teams for at least a decade. The father who gives Terryl all of his "how to 'acquire' free cable" advice. The father who searched all over to buy Emily and Terryl their favorite pickle, after they casually mentioned it in conversation (it is one delicious pickle)! "He's a complicated man, but no one understands him but his woman"...Pops..."Your daaamn right". Don’t get it twisted, Terryl has always said “my father is the GOAT in stubbornness. If I’m Lebron, he’s MJ. If I’m Jay, he’s Biggie.” Yet, when push comes to shove, Terryl will never forget when Dad drove from CT to NC on half a dime for gas money to bear witness to Terryl getting baptized for the first time - a financial and time expense for which Terryl is forever grateful. Age has taught Terryl how lucky he is to have Phillip Michael Dozier Sr. as a father, to share the special moments of his life. Terryl is blessed that he’s here to share this one.

Clarissa Cooper Dozier

Mother of the Groom

Anyone that knows Terryl knows one thing about him - he loves his mom. He's written more than one poem in an attempt to express his admiration for this one-of-a-kind lady, but there are truly no words that he can articulate to express his love and gratitude...so he won't try. Instead, he'll let you all in on a little secret. A secret "code" only shared by them two -- a quick knee-jerk call-and-response: Terryl: "Momma, you're a baby!" Mom: "You're a bigger one!" That's it. Hardly a conversation will go by where this exchange isn't spoken between the two of them. An outsider may never understand it. It's not humorous. It's not ironic. It barely makes any sense at all. Yes, those that know Momma Dozier know a few of her classic mommisms. Her "Well I'll be jiggers" or "To be truthful..." (Em's favorite), and God forgive you if you're on the other end of one her "God forgive me, but..." But we share this. There are people in our lives for whom your skill as wordsmith will fail you. For whom "love" doesn't quite capture the amount of gratitude, "hero" doesn't accurately express the friendship, "thankful" can't hold the amount of sacrifice, "blessed" doesn't do justice to their divine presence. The best way Terryl can describe it, is simply a quirky innocuous interchange that you have to be there to witness, and that you know when you see it: "Momma, you're a baby!"