Street life...

Sometimes I look back on where I came from and where my folks came from, and it blows my mind. Literally. I cannot convey to people what life has been like, because they will never truly understand. Imagine living in a neighborhood in which you have to sleep on the floor every night, because of all the activity outside. Or having a window shot out. Or having the opportunity to fully understand the plight of those that have to do what they gotta do to get by. My old neighborhood was rough. I have known quite a few people over the years that have gotten injured or killed and it takes its toll. A name of a junior high buddy popped into my mind earlier today, and it lead me to wonder how she was. She used to rap and was just an all around hella cool person. Just real. I remember that two days before we had our promotion ceremony, her dumb ass boyfriend shot her in the back because she was breaking up with him. Dayum. At graduation, we made a big get well soon card for her. As a result of the shooting, she was paralyzed from the waist down. The last I saw of her was many years ago when she was on a telethon held on KRON. She was singing in a choir and they were focusing on her situation. She was so dayum talented and just an all around cool person. I pray that she is well.
I also think about another classroom buddy of mine that I found out a few years ago was murdered. They just dumped his body at the side of the road in the Oakland Hills. I found that out from a friend when we were riding on BART. He and the guy that was killed were really tight. I remember back in Jr. school, they would pull pranks on folks... like pouring salt in the goldfish tank, starting water fights in the cafeteria, playing cat and mouse games in class, etc. I try to reflect on these times, but it's hard. All these folks were so smart and just good people all around. It's so depressing that they keep getting lost or injured. But their memories and spirits will not be forgotten and will always remain.