If you can't make it back, at least take these few words with you and try to remember them.
First...Keep in touch with your family, both immediate and extended. You never know when they'll be gone forever. Then, it's too late.
Second...Be a role model for kids. Believe it or not, you're a teacher. All children learn from our actions and they are our future. Teach them right from wrong, how to respect others and, more importantly, how to respect themselves.
Third.....and I'm stealing this one from Jimmy Valvano.....DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T EVER GIVE UP!
If you think your life sucks and you're down on your luck, get over it and do something to make it better. There are millions in this World whos lives suck every day and have since they've been on this rock....millions who will never have the opportunity to change their lives and wouldn't know how if they did. I know, I've met a few of them.
Take care and watch your back, and if you can't, take comfort in knowing there will always be someone around, like me, who will.
Capt Mark and the Boys.