Junior Janitors class of 1977

I want to share with you a response to this blog story from a classmate whom I had mentioned. 


Patti's words took me back to a place I thought was far behind me. 


Hearing her description of a time in our  lives that seems like it was a lifetime ago.


It brought up some long forgotten memories as there really hasn't been a reason to hold on to a less than happy time in my life.


Yet it also speaks to what I believe with every  fiber of my being nothing  well almost nothing occurs simply by chance. 


Little did I realize my high school years would be giving voice to a 14 year old boy who quite possibly thought no one cared enough to listen to what he had to say when he was alive..


Again my request to you is that you not get to caught up in the events of the past
none of us can change what was. 


I hold no one responsible for something so long ago.  I do how ever ask you this.


WHAT ABOUT TODAY...


WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO SO ANOTHER CHILD SEE'S NO WAY OUT BUT TO TAKE HIS OWN LIFE.


WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO CHANGE .


WE ARE THE HEALER'S THE WORLDS BEEN WAITING FOR ...


SIMPLY IN THE WAYS WE CHOOSE TO LIVE OUR LIVES EACH DAY.


IN THE PRESENT MOMENT ...PRESENT BREATH...
Here's Patti's response to my blog story.. 

Patti Lyles

• I remember you being harassed but do not remember the fruit throwing event but I recall once how you wept so one day and how you shared and revealed your inner pain and the torment you were experiencing.
  
  I think I remember Debbie and I would even walk you home a few times because you were harassed. It was only a block or two but we would go in and hang out and we’d talk to your mother. She wore a turban because her hair was falling out. That is unforgettable because that was my first time seeing someone so fragile and suffering from cancer. Hey maybe I was there when she told you not to cry. I sorta recall that conversation happening.
  
  What is of value to me today is ---Those years in high school I fell for the person you are and your button nose and that cool haircut which Justine Bieber stole from you 30 year later….
  
  
  My words to in response...
  Mark Peterson-Estrada

  • Patti, Thanks so much for your words and descriptions of a time in my life that had such significance.More than I realized. Honestly those days are as foggy today as they were all those years ago. Yet I don't look back wishing for a different experience nothing happens by chance. Having friends like you and Debbie meant a lot back then and would give my life such purpose today. Who knew that the willingness of people like you and Debbie to take the time all those years ago. Is in large part why I do the work I do today . I'm often told I get too involved in the lives of others. I smile to myself for I know first hand the importance of being willing to be a soul friend to another and I choose to get involved. I would love to get together with you one of these day. Hope your doing well Patti.
    Love~Light~Heartsmiles, Mark
    
    
    Your comments are always welcome. 
    What I would like to hear most is how your going to embrace your life differently.. 
    The past can be a useful tool for living in the present so long as you stay clear of the labels.. 
    It's just information so that you might make a different choice based on the lives and choices that can never be changed. 
    I will tell you what I have done though is I have changed the relationship I have with those events so long ago.
    
    
    And I think my Mom would be surprised to see that I have learned some 
    different ways to process complicated events and emotions from my past. 
    
    
    I have yet to master that skill where my siblings and family are concerned.  I can be just as wounding and unkind as  the words and actions of others have been in my past. 
    
    
    For there are a few fragile places that haven't healed over the years that honestly may never completely go away..
    
    
    No one means to cause me  injury I know yet if I don't pay attention old voices from the past get the better of me.
    
    
    I speak out with a voice that I didn't have back then that is  often reactive  and defensive words meant for actions based on events  from the past .
    
    
    Spoken in the present that do no one any good and each time it occurs 
    I get to learn how to respond differently the next time. 
    
    
    The gift of information and choice that creates the gift of change sometimes quickly and sometimes not..
    What's important is that the change keeps occurring with each breath 
    heartbeat and step along this journey called LIFE.