March 31, 2011

You Gave Me The Strength

You have been there from the very start
You are perfect, you have played your part
You don't even know what you have done for me
You filled me with a happiness I only now can see
You helped save my life by just being there
You let me know that you do care
You stayed by my side when times got rough
You gave me the strength to stand and stay tough
I now only ask that you continue to play your part
And still love me like you always have from the very start

On June 7, 2001 my life came to an end. That's the day I got my criminal record. I was 20 years old facing prison. I didn't know what I was going to do, what I could do. I was afraid of what my family was going to do, I was afraid that they wouldn't be there.

This poem is for two people, my aunt Kelly and my uncle Rick.

They have always been there for me. They are two of the coolest people, and I am proud to call them aunt and uncle. While in county, my aunt visited me every week, and I called every week. By having that connection, they've helped me to survive.

Nearly 10 years later, I still call every week or nearly, and they are still giving me strength and encouragement. I love them so much, and if I could make sure that life will always be happy, I would. Because these are two people everyone should have in their lives.

You gave me the strength, and I love you! :)

I've been very fortunate for I have many members of my family still by my side. That is something I believe helps me to remain who I am. I mean, I'm 10 years old, but I still remain Raymond.

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What Are You Reading?

I'm reading The Golden Compass, and I must say that this book is so much better about how you learn about what an alethieometer is and how dust plays a major part in this world. The movie was okay, but come on. At least tell the story more accurately to what the author created.

I always feel worse when I see a movie and then read a book from the movie. They never get it right. Please, directors: read the book and then make the movie. It would help.

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How Can It Be

How can it be
It's not possible is it
To know someone so long
Yet not even know
Who they really are
It hurts so much
When you realize it
That all they are
Is a total stranger
How hard it is
To get to know someone
It all starts
With a simple, "Hello, I'm..."
It really is easy
Give it a try
Then ask the question
How can it be?

This was written because I find it very sad that in only 60 years, our great country has gone from knowing and caring for our neighbors to being super suspicious of who is living next door. Towns used to be filled with folk who knew each other and actually cared about each other. Nowadays, people live next door to each other for years and never get to know who they are.

I can remember that when I was a kid in Salem back in the '80s and '90s, you knew the people who lived in your neighborhood. I think this has hurt our country in a way that puts us behind many other countries.

We need to put down our cellphones, smartphones, turn off the iPads, computers, and any other Internet device and go next door and knock. If someone answers, say "Hi, I'm (your name). I'm your neighbor."

Is this really hard or scary for us to do? Let's get to know one another again.

Block parties are great!