by Brandon Martinez
Looking back over this ole life, a young buck adolescent, sitting there in front of a judge quite perplexed of my hearing being conducted for emancipation, often throughout the proceedings I was a bit baffled. As a teen, I lacked the intellectual ability to comprehend the magnitude for his decision to be rendered. Although factors were taken into account by the judge at his discretion, perhaps I should have provided some input, certainly the task was exclusively delegated to him, with such an imperative crucial decision at stake. To not object by advocating on my own volition was a mistake, I can’t change the past of what transpired that day.
What I can do is convey to you that if you ever encounter this predicament as a youngster, please make the proper decision in your best interest. See the broad picture of life. For certainly there’ll be fallout as a result of you being granted emancipation. Absolutely, to some extent for the time being in the moment it will appear you’ll lap in the luxury of freedom with the yoke of the parental reign dismantled.
In time, I can assure you you’ll be deceived by your own conduct as you sabotage and thwart your future. Life is not fun and games, as an emancipated teenager legally declared an adult. You’ll only have a short window of opportunity. There’ll be no room not even an inkling for margin of error. As a teenager it’s critical indeed, let along being subject to this emancipation period.
Encountering this precarious situation can often lead to inevitable doom. The problems with this scenario is that without parental guidance you’ll have a tendency to get into trouble. That’s your choice if you decide to run amok. As tempting as that will appear this road won’t be a glorious one. I can only hope and pray that you’ll take productive measures to better yourself.
What you do in your teens will set the entire process in motion. Don’t get the game misconstrued. It’s possible being emancipated and still succeed with the right mentor to encourage you, inspired you, help assist you in the right direction, things can, things will gradually develop for a bright future.
That’s what you must strive for, having to endure the burden of emancipation will be a heavy load to bear. Just be a kid. Forget about being on your own with responsibilities. Reach out to your parents that love you unconditionally. They haven’t abandoned you. They care. Certainly, that’s true. I know, stop shaking your head. It’s not far-fetched to fathom. They truly want what’s best for you.
I wish I could go back today, wave a magic wand, change the mistakes I made in my youth. There’s nothing worse than causing irreparable harm to yourself frequently without even realizing it. Whatever compelled you to venture off on your own, you got to look within the fabric of your being. Use your soul. Find the courageous audacity to forgive your parents or your siblings in every aspect. Don’t let this haunt you no more. Return on home lil’ one.
It’s a scary cold world out there to be self-sufficient. Those cold street corners would only chew you up and spit you. Forgive me for being a tad harsh. It’s just I have a moral obligation to focus on the realities of life, which has given my life meaning to breathe life back into a sin sick soul. I won’t butter it up or stroke your ego, for the perplexities of youth can be a bit overwhelming. As a juvenile offender who has been incarcerated 23 years, my heart aches as my spirit grieves, cognizant of the fact that statistics indicate that the vast majority of teenagers who serve a short stint in Juvenile hall then end up in prison later in life.
Together we must win lil’ one. We must fight this generational curse. Break this cycle of recidivism and poverty. Don’t allow them to profit off your misery. Enabling them to preserve the status quo for job security purposes, cashing at your expense. As your life dwindles away in sorrow. They’ll laugh, mock, ridicule, ostracize you. All while living in their lavish homes and driving their fancy cars. My bad, this may be too heavy for you. Since you’re still beholden to your peer pressure friends, carry on, lay, play, have your fun in the sun. My premonition would be that route to be very self-destructive.
There’ll be ample opportunities to capture the vivid memories later. At this junction of your crossroad youth, the battle rages on in your mind. If you get nothing I said remember this: When you conquer your mind, you’ll haven’t won the battle to distinguish right from wrong, what a powerful tool that is to utilize, to differentiate and have the ability to discern any given scenario is such a relieve that most folks ain’t capable of. You got to cast all that junk aside. Be well beyond your years. Depend and rely on your intellect. Make the proper decisions without rushing to judgement. Be very, very careful. As a teen, I got caught up in the game of impulsive reaction.
This you must contend with whole heartedly otherwise it would only fester into ruling your emotions. If it is dealt with in a decent way, in any given situation the outcome would be resolved in a more appropriate manner. This instinct of impulsiveness is a long drawn out process of youth. As you grow older and learn from your mistakes you become wiser. I urge you to expedite the process. You’ll save yourself an abundance of grief, be a better person. Things rapidly can get blown out of proportion, as that’s what concerns me. In one instance, your entire life can be ruined. Just be mindful. Peep out the scene, work diligently in creating the person you anticipate in becoming. There’s nothing more profound than your actions speaking volumes. That will assuredly silenced your critics. They said you’ll never amount to nothing.
Is that an accurate assessment? Absolutely not! Shut them down, for once in your life make your loved ones prove they care and love you immensely. Enquire about scholarships grants, loans, many opportunities exist. See what applies to you to fit the criteria. The solutions are there if you would only take the liberty to look. Time is of the essence. It’s now or never. You can’t procrastinate any longer.
You’re running out of time. If you never hear my voice again. I want you to know I got faith and confidence in you. You are very bright and are somebody who’s capable of implementing change in your life all on your own accord. The gifts you possess are inside of you. You have incredible talents that remain dormant all because you expend a tremendous amount of energy on fruitless efforts. If you would channel and redirect this energy. Oooh my Lord, do you realize what you would accomplish. Find some type of outlet to engage in a constructive measure. Break the monotony of your day. Always Keep hope alive. Peace out.
Before I take my seat would you allow me to say one last things? To the old fella of 64 years of age. Joe your caretaker misses you. Thanks for the 3 years we had. Thanks, my friend. Thanks for the good times.