Obstacle in the eye of the beholder..

My son received a phone call from his father. He immediately stood up and said, "I need to go to my father's house". Given the abruptness of his announcement, I asked him what was going on. He went on to say that it was just something he has to do for his father. Why are Pisces folk so secretive? I hate it. While he gathered some clothes for his visit, I tried to press for more info but he wouldn't budge. *sigh* Fast forward to yesterday...come to find out his father just found out his other son was at Rikers Island Juvenile Facility and he had no idea why he was there. That would explain his call to my oldest. He needed him to babysit for him until he found out what happened and why his younger brother was locked up.

When I heard the news, it floored me. I couldn't believe this cute little boy could be locked up at Rikers Island Juvenile Facility. How was he holding up? Was he scared? His mother must be sick with worry. I know I would be. My son went with his father to go visit him, but were unable to gain entry due to a jail lock down. Apparently, some incident occurred and the correctional officers had to shut down the jail so visitors were not allowed. I know my son must be feeling bad for his bother in this situation. My mother told me that she was hoping he would get a chance to visit so he can get first hand experience what goes on in jail in hopes he won't find himself there as well.

Then I started to think about how hard things will be for this young black man with a criminal record if he were found guilty. This society can be unforgiving. It seems that no matter how remorseful you feel for your transgressions or how long you pay your debt to society, the repercussions of your actions can be unwavering. Then I had to catch myself. Here I am putting this young man in a category of the lost just like many categorized me as a teen mom. Yes, he could be in some trouble but it doesn't mean he can't rise above it and live a beautiful healthy life. We can never know how these things pane out. This may be the very thing to get him on track. Unfortunately, there are some of us that will choose to learn lessons the hard way over taking heed from the many examples around us. For some reason we believe.. "that can't happen to me". *putting my head down* Yes, I've uttered those words in my early teens.

To this young man and many out there struggling to find their way. I post this video. It's a beautiful song for many reasons. The poem at the end really drives the message home. Much like the picture above, obstacles may get in our way. We just have to devote more time and determination. Why do we write off others so easily? Even I'm guilty. *smh*

picture source: http://ireadbannedbooks.net/2008/04/16/obstacles-are-what-you-see-when-you-take-your-eyes-off-the-goal-ww-22/