I haven't written in a long time, and a lot has happened. I've been avoiding for a multitude of reasons predominately it is because I wrote about my grandfathers passing, and I feel that starting again means i'm moving on. It.s been over a year since he died,not a day goes by that I don't still think about how much I wish I could just call and hear him speak one last time.During the winter months it always seems to get worse. The dark makes me sit and think about all the people I have lost on my journey through life. I have lost more than I would like to admit but there are a few that come to the forefront of my mind. My grandfather, and my best friend. They are constantly on my mind, and I fight harder because I want to make them proud. Both were extremely important in me becoming the man I am today. Both of these men are immortalized in my writings in one way or another. I believe in the military saying "Gone but never forgotten" because it rings true in everyday of my life. I give everything I have in my efforts in school or work because my grandfather always told me a man is only worth the effort he gives. And in my music when I sing I put my entire being into the song i'm singing because Josh always told me that what makes a voice beautiful is the soul of the person behind it. All of these conversations, these voices, these moments. They constantly run through my mind to remind me why I fight. They remind me of why I strive to become the man they saw, the man they wanted me to be, who I should be. These voices that tell me to push on and never give up. They remind me of the light behind my eyes.
Now what do I mean by that you might ask? Am I referring to faith? Good intention? Life? To me it is most definitely all of the above. I believe that the people who have this light are the ones who will go out of their way to help others. They are the ones you know that will give you their last dollar, the shirt off their back, or sit with you for hours because you're heartbroken. But its not enough to just have the light, at least not to me. You have to be ready and able to go the distance in giving what is necessary to care for others. My example is that these men not only cared about people but they were willing to put themselves in a place to be hurt if it meant that you would be safe. They weren't afraid to take risks in the name of love. They would give anything to see the ones they cared about taken care of. To me that is the most important thing in the world. Everyone in this life is so worried about getting ahead or being successful that they constantly step on others or throw others down to get to the top. But we need more who are willing to lay down to show that this world is based on love and not measured in success. This example has set the premise for my life, it has shown me that loving other people is more valuable than just focusing on yourself. An odd perception. ":Loving others will make you feel more loved than just loving yourself."
Now to run with this thought, I have met a select few people who share this same quality. I would encourage that if you see this in someone then keep them close. And even moreso I encourage you to be that person to others. Something as simple as sitting and listening to a friend and making sure to make them comfortable. Being supportive being comforting and just offering to take time and make that person your only priority. Paying attention to what someone shows not just what they say. Recently I had an situation where I needed someone to listen, and I felt I had no where to go. And I honestly I don't think they understand how much help they offered. Nothing more than listening to my rambling for a short time and already I am better than before. This kind of person to me is worth their weight in gold. They are irreplaceable and will always have a place in my life. You never know if you might save a life, by simply caring for someone else. No matter how seemingly unimportant it may seem. One word can make or break someone.
Now to tie all of this together, Why is this so important? Because we are nothing without community, and our community is useless without those willing to go above and beyond for others. This light is priceless, and no amount of success or money can change that. Keep the fire going in the dead of winter no matter how it gets and I promise you will never regret it.
As Always
Fight for those who can't fight for themselves.
S.O.T.B.
In loving memory of,
Joshua Alvin Calvin Chance
James Lloyd Barnes
