So when I think of Antonio's life, I occasionally think of this poetic story, released by Elvis in 1969. You should buy an itunes copy. It's a heartfelt and sad story, repeated perpetually decades before and after the 1969 release.
Antonio is getting frustrated with life--challenged with school--with hopes that appear to be merely fantasy and the richness of life that would be coveted by only those in third world countries--he has very little. I am hoping that his hopelessness does not turn into anger and violence.
I share a bit of my time and energy with Antonio--he needs alot more. To a person, each of us has been richly blessed with abundant talent. I believe the Savior merely asks each of us to share and give of ourselves to others--there are others all around us that need a smile or some other form of tender care and support. I have no doubt that we can be there for them--while not running faster than we are able.
Love, Dad
p.s. Antonio was born in Chicago, in a line of children that continues to bewilder me (why did his mother choose to continue having children that she could not support?).
In The Ghetto lyrics
Songwriters: Mac Davis
As the snow flies on a cold and gray Chicago mornin'
A poor little baby child is born in the ghetto
And his mama cries 'cause if there's one thing that she don't need
It's another hungry mouth to feed in the ghetto
People, don't you understand the child needs a helping hand?
Or he'll grow to be an angry young man some day
Take a look at you and me, are we too blind to see?
Do we simply turn our heads and look the other way?
Well the world turns and a hungry little boy with a runny nose
Plays in the street as the cold wind blows in the ghetto
And his hunger burns, so he starts to roam the streets at night
And he learns how to steal and he learns how to fight in the ghetto
Then one night in desperation a young man breaks away
He buys a gun, steals a car, tries to run, but he don't get far
And his mama cries
As a crowd gathers 'round an angry young man
Face down on the street with a gun in his hand in the ghetto
As her young man dies on a cold and gray Chicago mornin'
Another little baby child is born in the ghetto
And his mama cries
2 comments:
Dad, this is beautiful.
My favorite part: "To a person, each of us has been richly blessed with abundant talent. I believe the Savior merely asks each of us to share and give of ourselves to others--there are others all around us that need a smile or some other form of tender care and support. I have no doubt that we can be there for them--while not running faster than we are able..."
It's so important to share Christ's love. Think of how much happier we would be if we could all just share a little more of His love.
I had a very emotional afternoon today as I learned that some friends of ours (who were due to have their second child, a baby girl, the first week of October) lost their baby. Our friend was 9 months pregnant. To add to that pain, the mother had to labor & deliver that child. How heartbreaking! I can't even imagine the pain they are going through right now. It breaks my heart.
As I tried to scramble to think of something I could do, I felt so small. I felt like this couple needed so much more love than I could give. So, I wrote a card & got some beautiful flowers for her & dropped them off at the hospital - I am certain that the best love I could give to her (them) today was to remind them that they are loved - that Heavenly Father knows them, knows their pain, and loves them.
As I've thought about this experience today (and have cried quite a few tears for them), I am confident that the only thing I can do is share His love. I know there are so many opportunities for us to each share more love - to give a little bit more - and to exemplify Him.
May we all be more humble, more grateful and more giving.
Thank you for that post. It takes me a couple of days to be able to sit down and read the posts, but I love them.
I feel so sad for Antonio. I do have to say though, he must be resilient. I saw kids in some of my student teaching classes who came from better situations and were much less respectful.
There is so much good to be done in this world. It is so easy to get caught up in our own lives that we leave others alone to fend for themselves. This inspires me to share a little of the light I have to help bring a smile to someone else's face today. Sure love you dad!
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