America's Nightmare-Young, Black, and Educated

"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom."-General George S. Patton, Jr.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

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.

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