For My Son Ryan Gage.

My son, I know life hurts sometimes, and you make mistakes that you often regret, but it's okay son, don't fret. It is important to own up to the mistakes you have made, responsibility you must accept, but don't spend too much time wallowing in all that humility and your regrets. Life is far too short, to spend time crying,carrying a heart full of hurt,thinking of what you could've, would've, or should've done. I know there was a time, when you were far too young, that you lived life carrying a gun, you have seen many friends come and go, some on lock, some in a 6x6 hole. Be grateful that the one's on lock, can still call, and talk. The one's in the ground I know you miss, but, they were meant for more than all of this. A bigger purpose I am sure, maybe soldiers with wings in your corner, with hearts so pure. I know you miss your friends son, they meant a lot to you, they were family that was always there to see you thru,

Stuck by your side as you went through some of your toughest times. By you, they stood stiff and helped you out, helped you live. One even saved your life, when that guy shot at you, that horrible night. The nightmare my life would've become, if he had never yelled for you to run. To think, ya'll had just left with the intent of having a little fun, never thought you'd be staring down the barrel of a gun. Again I say, I am grateful to that one, he saved your life, when he said run.

I know you hurt for the way you left behind some of your brother's, but it's ok son, it was more the fault of your mother. You were young and dealing with a lot, how could you have known they would think you forgot about your brothers. It is ok son, you had to do what was right, if you had stayed who knows what would've become of your life. I know you hurt and you feel guilty, but the past is something we can't rewrite, no matter how hard we try. Look on the bright side son, this is no lie, your choice, although it hurt, has you out here so you can get it together, while they have time to get their minds right.  Things you have always known, they never been told, Now when they come out, you can influence them and help them no doubt. 

No matter the past, or the things you did that cause you regret, it is in the past son, you can't dwell on it. Find the peace to accept and understand that the past is something you can't do-over again, you can change it, no matter how long you think and sit, but you can change what you all do with this gift, Yes I said gift, maybe hard to see, as through all the ashes you sift, you just have to believe, prison over death is definitley a gift and no criminal history saves you from a lot of shit.  

They are going to come home, and when they get here, you'll make sure they're never alone. You will push them and help them, just like a brother should, and eventually it will makes sense why you had to leave the hood, without saying anything, cause it will be understood. Your success in life will help you assist them until they break free from this life they felt forced to live in. 

The past is something you can never change, but the present is a gift with much to gain. If you are successful, leaving them behind will not have been in vein, so work hard son, pursue it all for yourself, that way one day with them you can share all of your wealth.