I got a story to tell...want to hear it...here it go: In high school, I never considered myself as a person who had friends. I knew there were people who liked me. I knew there were people who didnt like me; and there were people who tolerated my presence. But I never went down on paper in anyones memory book as their friend, just classmate. It was a hard pill to swallow as a teenager, but my attitude was k sera sera. Well Malcolm Lavonne Smith was the closes assimilation of a friend back then. Some days he liked me...and some days not....and on the days Karen Colston was around...forget about it. ;-) But after high school, the definition changed. The real person sprouted from that high school sell out, and a beautiful friend emerged! I moved into my 1st apartment at the age of 19. I was in and out of college due to working full time and lack of funds, because I had to pay my own way through College. Malcolm and I would bump into each other on campus when he too was in and out of College and we just decided to do the in and out Thang together. He would come visit me at my apartment and always had a good cup of tea to tell. It always brought me to screams of laughter and then to tears of laughter. When I was living in the Frenchtown area, I was going through some dark days, and when I wasnt expecting anyone to call, much less visit, Malcolm would knock on my door and holler: its me friend...you dont have to be cute! Seems like hearing his voice brought a smile to my face and it served as a candle in the dark. I was never one that liked college and never imagined going back to school, much less finishing. But God puts and keeps his Angels in your life for a reason, and my friend Malcolm encouraged me to go back to school. You see his encouragement was never delivered in a judgmental way. He always said, dont do it because of your parents or others want or expect you to....do it for you! Do it to show your son, that Life doesnt always work out according to plan, and even when you stumble and fall, just get back up and keep it moving! That degree is for you and your son, and in the long run, it will help you to get paid so you can have the things you need and want. He told me about Colleges and Universities that that now have online programs that were on quarter semesters. So instead of 2 1/2 months to finish a class or classes, you can knock it out in 6 weeks. He stated that he was enrolled @ Strayer University about to graduate with a Bachelors Degree. He also said that if ever I needed help, he would be there for me....and he did just that. He helped me to get an A in my Psychology class and encourage me every step of the way. So when I walked across that stage at AIU and shook the hand of my President to to receive my Bachelors Degree, I secretly whispered to Malcolms Spirit....Thank you for taking me by my hand and being my friend! So on this 5th day of 21 days of Thankfulness....I am thankful to my friend, for being a candle in the dark.... my cliff notes and my Friend! True Story...KEEP THE FAITH!
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 23:55:22 +0000