No matter what your circumstances, always know that: (1.) You have the right to speak up, at home, in school, and especially in the crowd you hang with, and, (2.) you have that choice to say “No.”

As a youngster, some of my physical needs were taken care of, however, the more important needs which are love, affection, attention, and guidance were lacking which help build character.

My parents were there for the physical, not the mental, and alot is missed in character building as a result. There was no family time when everyone comes together and shares their feelings, good or bad, enjoying being a family having quality time together.

Because of this I was alienated and left to my own devices. This alienation in the home eventually effects you in school and the people you associate yourself with. The search for attention goes to every area of your life starting with a relative or a good friends parents showing ore affection to you than what you get at home. Had I known and exercised my right to speak up I could have made a difference and possibly shown my parents where they were failing as part of the team.

My failure to speak up resulted in resentment and a rebellious attitude which are not good character qualities. Your character is who and what you are and when displaced can take years to recognize and piece together in a mending process that could mean you lost out on a whole lot of the good life you should not have been denied.

The choices we make today will be tomorrows rewards of happiness and a good life, or, a short lived life of disasterous sorrow. With these choices we should strive to be the best we can be for ourselves and those we love.

Today I have that same ability to make choices that I had forty-five years ago, however, the character has changed and the choices I make are well thought-out with a positive outlook on the here and now. Yesterday is gone and I don’t beat myself up over what I’ve done but I grow from it today which is what I have.

All the sorry’s in the world will not bring back the life I took or mend the hurt that I’ve caused to both his family and mine, which was the result of bad choices, too cool attitude, drugs and booze; negative character traits.

As a result of the above I have just started my nineteenth year of being locked up with a very doubtful possibility of parole and as a lifer I can say I am doing every day of it thinking of those loosing choices I made and truly regret.

Boozers and drugies are loosers and if thats what you are, or, you know someone that fits that description please consider the consequences of the actions of your momentary pleasures which could be dead, and, or, long term slammer time; like life term.

You deserve the very best you can give yourself and the only way you can achieve it is with a clear, clean, sober, positive attitude aimed at goals that are well within your reach and attainable with patience as a helper.

Remember my friends, you’ll live with the choices you make so make them the best you can, “...for you”.