Thanks Mr. J

Mr. Johnson

I want to thank you. Thank you for leading by example. You make your presence known when you enter the room. Your level of confidence is inspiring to me. The no nonsense approach you take is admirable. It's no wonder why you continue to be successful in life. It's refreshing to know that there are people like yourself that desire to bring out the good qualities of a person. You strive to make an individual look within themselves, so one can see how powerful they really are. Thank you for being real, patient, and understanding.

Throughout the years, your drive, and determination to succeed rubbed off on me. when I wanted to make changes in my life, you were always there to guide me through them. You always gave me sound advice, and led my in the right direction. When I wanted to apply to Cambridge College, you took time from your busy schedule to go with me. I now know you did that to assure me that it was OK to want to take on such a big responsibility. That was a clear message to me that this was the way to move onto the next phase of life.....education. It is so true that knowledge is power. I remember when we first met. I used to hang out at Fred's place often. I heard of you, and finally got the chance to meet you. From there, our relation grew, even though we in different places in our lives. You saw something in me that I didn't. It was you that bought it out. I started to think differently, I started to act differently. It felt so strange, but it also felt good. I thought one way about life. I thought life was impossible to improve, but you showed me that there is always room for improvement. I can remember when you were working on obtaining your masters degree, working full time, and raising a family. I used to say to myself, "how in the hell is he able to do this?" It was obvious, you refused to fail. You wanted better for yourself, and went to great lengths to make sure that happened. We had a talk about that. You explained to me that nothing in life that will make you a better person will ever come easy. 

I still can't believe how you were able to finish you degree program. I remember calling you a few months later, but you didn't answer the phone. A few days later you returned my call, and apologized for not getting back to me sooner. I gave you a hard time about it, telling you when I call, you need to answer me. We shared a laugh. It was then when you hit me with the news. You told me you were busy with going back to school for your PH.D. There was nothing but silence on the phone. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. At first, I thought you were joking with me, but you were indeed very serious. It was that moment that everything changed me. Before knowing this, I had nothing going on in my life that I was proud of. It was you being who you are that got me to where I am today. I'm ready now, ready to complete my mission. My health, family, and education is my focus now. Without you, I don't know where I would be, or where I would be going in life. I can't thank you enough Mr. J

Your Friend

Patrick

Rhyming Ode

"Free"

I used to roam the streets, with no place to go

It was cold, I was bold 

But this was starting to get old

Had to take my pride, place it to the side, found my ride

Hit my stride

I had one last chance to survive 

Made some cheddar

Things got better

Now I'm tougher than leather 

Mind got cleaver

Pulled the lever 

Flushed that old life forever

Chorus

can't you see

this is me

one last chance to be free

can't you see 

this is me

one last chance to be free

can't you see

this is me

one last chance to be free

Now my brain is clear

Look at all my fans cheer

The evolution is near, take a seat in the rear

I've equipped myself

Got my health

About to go out for self

Deal what dealt

Move in stealth

Beat my brain with this knowledge till it welts

Chorus

can't you see 

this is me 

one last chance to be free

can't you see

this is me 

one last chance to be free

can't you see

this is me 

on last chance to be free

No more roaming the streets

Place to sleep, food to eat 

Time to make life complete

Got no time for repeats

Learned hard, life is a struggle

Made my moves on the double

Time to shave 

Got me some stubble

Cleaned up, stayed out of trouble

Can't live life in a bubble

Chorus 

can't you see

this is me

one last chance to be free

can't you see 

this is me

one last chance to be free

can't you see 

this is me

one last chance to be free

My name is P