Last week, I flew to Colorado to attend my cousin’s graduation. With God on our side, it was definitely one for the books. And honestly…just what I needed.
Ever since she was a baby, my little cousin Allyssa has always been one of the most cherished persons in my life. Sometimes, I don’t even like to refer to her as my “cousin” because she’s something much more.
Five days before Christmas, I learned that my 26-year-old cousin was shot and killed. This person wasn’t just any cousin. She wasn’t just any family member. Ever since she was a baby, she was like a little sister to me. And apart from her surviving sister, I don’t think I ever loved anyone more than Autumn.
This one goes out to all the Christians struggling to find a mate in today’s twisted dating culture.
Points Discussed:
List of Bible Scriptures about that talk about Having Children if You’re Not Married – https://www.openbible.info/topics/having_children_outside_of_marriage
“Godly Men Don’t Care About Money – A Theocratic Essay” – https://stageinthesky.com/2019/10/16/godly-men-dont-care-about-money-a-theocratic-essay/
Last August, I wrote a tribute about a girl I had a crush on in the 8th Grade who died. Six months later, her family discovered the tribute. Their response was…incredible.
Patricia Griffin – Sophomore Year
Last year, on August 18th 2019…I woke up on my birthday and was compelled to write about a girl I had a crush on in the 8th grade. Patricia Kay Griffin. It was inexplicable. She was never my “official” girlfriend. I hadn’t seen her since before 2005, and I don’t think I watched or listened to anything that would trigger my memories of her…but over the years, all too often, this girl comes to mind.
Patricia died in 2008. I didn’t find out till years later when my thoughts and curiosity prompted me to do a search. Sadly, I found her obituary. She was only 21 when she passed and I think that’s what I hate the most, aside from her being one of the good ones, a kind-hearted loving person. She was so young. It’s impossible to see her and not feel inspired, energized, encouraged to get up off my ass and do something with my life. I loved her. It’s just one of those things.
So, on my birthday. I wrote this essay – “Remembering Patricia Griffin.”
I poured out most of my memories of her. How we first met. The embarrassing blunders. The truth about what she meant to me. The truth about what I “thought” had happened to her. That was six months ago.
Then, a few weeks ago. On a busy Tuesday night in the middle of February, I was multi-tasking on a number of projects when I just happened to check my G-mail and saw two new messages with the name “Patricia” in the heading.
On the day of my return, I was itching to get back to Tampa. It’s like…that vacation was my very own halftime…now I’m about to begin my 3rd and 4th quarters. I have so much work to do. Over the course of June and July, I plan on releasing seven e-book of my first novel “The Three Kings of Ybor”. That’s one e-book of well over 50 pages every other week. And I need to do it all before September 1st. Because on September 1st…I just might be overseas…Here’s hoping.
So as much as I love my cousins, aunts and uncle, I couldn’t wait to get back.
But on the flights back…something occurred to me. Maybe that’s why I try to avoid being around people. Because they always seem to remind me of what I’m missing. Almost everyone was with someone. Everyone had someone to talk to. Someone to call. And when we got back to Tampa, there were people waiting for them…reunions.
And as I sat back, waiting for the baggage claim conveyor belt to bring out our luggage, I saw these heartfelt reunions, the affectionate embraces. The longing made evident by the sheer joy on their faces. I wasn’t envious. I didn’t loathe their presence. But I confess…I became aware.
I thought of the people I knew in Tampa. I wondered if anyone missed me. Did I miss them? If I suddenly got on another plane and took off without a care for the destination or what lay ahead of me, would they “long” for my return.
Hmph…Foolish thoughts. Selfish thoughts. I smile as I relaxed in my seat and continued taking in the sights of hugs and kisses. People aren’t that bad. If I wanted to be welcomed, I would’ve told everyone about my departure and reminded them about my arrival. But I intentionally avoided doing those things because I didn’t want anyone to miss me. Why? I honestly still don’t know.
Then I laughed out loud at how stupid and weird I am. I know who’s waiting for me upon my arrival. My awesome Chrysler 200 is waiting for me. My cool apartment that I cleaned spotless before I left, was waiting for me. The law firm where I conjure up stories is waiting for me. My writing and research is waiting for me. “Welcome Rock! By all means, go nuts” they tell me.
hahaha! I’m not sure if this personification is just the beginning of a long life of isolation…but I’m tired of worrying about future relationships or lack there of. Those detrimental thoughts drag me down and I can’t afford to carry them with me. I’m not everyone else. I’m Rock. It’s difficult not to compare. But thankfully, I have a strong line of mental defense.
At my cousin’s graduation…the salutatorian got up at the podium and talked about how you shouldn’t compare yourself to everyone because there will always be someone better. And the people applauded.
I didn’t applaud. I wanted to say… “It’s probably that thinking that kept you from being valedictorian…Whether she was being general or not, it’s not a message the future generations should carry with them. Till the day I die, I will always strive to be the best at what I do. Like a fine wine, I will keep getting better.”
The Night My Mother Tried to Have Me Arrested – A Reason To Push People Away
May 11th, 2014
By: Rock Kitaro
In the summer of 2004 my mother had just called the cops on me in the midst of an argument in which she claimed that she felt threatened by me. I wasn’t on drugs. I didn’t have any abuse problem or was physically violent. I never even curse (in this situation). The police were called to our house due to a verbal dispute in which my mother claimed she felt threatened. For this, she tried to have me arrested.
The cop, a very understandable yet stern fellow, slapped cuffs on me, brought me out to his squad car and kept shouting at me.
“You’re seventeen son! SEVENTEEN! And you’re about to throw your life away.” He barked.
“On what charge? I didn’t do anything wrong.” I growled, my face heated with frustration.
“We can book you with disorderly conduct, son. Now is that what you want?”
The flashing red and blue lights lit up our middle class single story brick house. The neighbors…my future friends were watching. This sort of thing didn’t happen everyday in my neighborhood. But its like they say. You hold something in for so long…you’re bound to explode.
…
Before I continue. I want to point out that I love my mother and cherish her. The events that I’m about to disclose happened a decade ago and I’ve already spoken with her about this release. She completely understands why I’m doing this and even laughed when I told her what the title was going to be.
To help you explain the events leading up to the night in question. Allow me to paint the backdrop. Or you can scroll ahead until your reach red colored font to jump to the “what” instead of reading about the “why”.
Stage In The Sky 