Thinking about Earl

I will never forget the day that my mom came frantically into my Aunt Lisa's house. I was a little nervous. My mom was calling out my name. "Rod, Rod?!?!" I slowed came up the basement stairs. That's when my mom told me the news. "Earl was killed in a car accident last night." she explained. I broke down and began to weep. Could what I had just heard been true? My childhood friend had been killed in a car accident. I still can't believe it. I thought stuff like that only happened on TV. That was almost 8 years ago when I got that news. My senior year of high school. I really do miss him and I think about him more than most would think.

I remember the senior class and entire school being in shock. All of us that had known Earl couldn't believe what happened. I remember having to call all our friends and give them the news. That's something I hope I never have to do again. We cried and cried and took the time to just reflect on his short but powerful life. I remember being surprised at how Earl had positively affected so many lives and he probably didn't have any clue. I just think about why none of us took the time to let him know what impact he had on us? Why were we now kicking ourselves in the rear because we would never have that chance to tell him how much he meant to us.

Many times in life we go through our everyday routines without a care in the world. Especially us that our young 20 something year olds. We don't think anything could ever happen to us. We never expect to be hurt yet alone killed at such a young age. Well with all that said I think we all need to take some time out and let those that have affected us know how much they mean to us. I am not the type that goes around doing that. It kinda makes me uncomfortable doing that. It makes me think I am sappy and just being silly. We need to do that though. We don't want to wake up one day and regret not telling someone we love and care about how we truly feel about them.

I used to hate when my mom would brag about me to everyone. I used to think, it's no big deal you don't have to tell everyone that I got straight A's or that I just graduated with my Master's degree. Now I am beginning to understand how proud she is of me. Many of her friends tell me that they are very proud of me and that my mom is especially proud. It now brings joy to me to hear this. I would of been complaining if my mom didn't say anything. I now know that she just cares and that's her way of showing me how much she loves me and how proud she is of me. She has a right to brag. She raised me and I owe a great deal of my success to her.

So I challenge all my readers. Take the time and tell one person how much they mean to you. Whether it's your brother, sister, father, mother, or just your best friend. Let them know they have impacted your life and show them that you really do appreciate it.

In closing, Earl David Passmore, Jr., I really do miss you. Who knows if we would have still been friends? We both would have went off to college and may have not crossed paths very much, but you truly were an angel on earth. I wish I could have and many others could have told you how much you blessed us with your warm spirit and hard work. I remember the last time I saw you alive. You came into Subway while I was working to get some cookies like you normally did. We talked and laughed. I believe you were on your way to church. I gave you your cookies and you were off. I didn't realize then that would be the last time I would see you alive. I love you and I am glad we were friends growing up. You were a good role model to your family and friends. God bless and Rest in Peace.

I'm 25 and I feel good!

Well folks I am officially 25 years old. I celebrated with my great friends. Nothing to extravegant just simple and fun. This was actually the first birthday that I have celebrated in a long time. I usually don't like to make a big deal out of birthdays. I usually just keep a low profile. This year I decided to go and visit some of my good friends and just have some fun. That's what I did.

Many of you know that I have been struggling with a major decision for my life. I want to relocate and am trying to find the right time to do it. I have been thinking about it for a great while and I definitely need to do it. I know it will make me happy in the long run. Hopefully I can just make a solid decision soon.

You know I always feel good after visiting my friends from college. It's like they get me. Maybe it has to do with the place that I am in my life. Many people from my home are still stuck in the fantasy that I am still the same old young guy. "Mr Goodie Too Shoes" is probably the best description. Well many of them have a hard time adjusting to the fact that I am older. Not that same kid I used to be.

With that said I am going to enjoy my 25th year. Too many times we waist reflecting on the negative aspects of our life and not focusing on the positive. For my 25th year I am going to look at the positive and try and stay away from the negative stuff. It's not like I focus on the negative aspect of life. I am usually surrounded by very positive people. So this shouldn't be too hard to do. Hopefully I will be blessed with many more years to enjoy life, because I definitely look forward to enjoying them.

Happy 25th to me and I'm going to keep feeling good!

I am America's Nightmare...