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Dear Young People
I read the our hometown newspaper, not to see what the
latest political scandal is, or what's happening to some lady who committed
a terrible crime in Texas, but rather to see what happening in my hometown
community. Its not that I don't care about other things..its just that I
grew up in Butler, and its nice to see the people I've known since grade
school being featured for their accomplishments or proudly displaying their
engagement and wedding announcements. It's the "Good news" that I enjoy
reading.
However, lately I've been saddened, sometimes devastated more and more
often, with each new young face featured in the obituary section. What used
to be the news that I looked forward to reading; the good news of good
friends doing good things with their lives, has recently become a series of
tragedies due to careless behavior, drunk driving, and drug overdoses. It's
become hard ti check out the "good news" of my home town paper without
feeling a sense of caution, bracing me for what senseless act of ignorance
may have resulted in another young life lost, leaving behind lives that were
touched somewhere along the way. I know an awful lot of young people, or at
least a lot of you know me. I hung out with you on Main Street, saw many of
you at my parties, or, just lent an ear when you needed it. I was a friend
to many, a brother to some, but I care about each one of you with all my
heart.
You may be surprised to know that I am 25, but I've been in prison for 2
years, celebrated 3 birthdays and 2 Christmases, now, due to my selfishness
and mistakes that I didn't even realize were consuming my entire life. But I
don't complain because at least I am still here today.
I've been given a second chance to make things right, to say I'm
sorry....and I want to help.
I'm asking my young friends to think about something; two years, two
Christmases, and three birthdays...does that sound like a lot to miss?
I thought so too , until I started noticing more and
more tragedies in the "good news" section of my news paper. Young people
that are celebrating engagements are being replaced by young people who
never got the chance to realize such a wonderful dream. Two years doesn't
even begin to compare to what so many of my young friends are missing
because unfortunately, death is permanent, and permanent means forever!
I am not degrading, mocking, or intending any negativity toward the young
people of Butler or anywhere else. I'm asking you on behalf of your parents,
your friends, all those who love you and look forward to you being part of
their daily life....PLEASE End The TRAGEDIES, don't be selfish, be
responsible, and don't take away from this world the greatest gift you've
ever given it...YOU.
Make someone who loves you smile, bring back the "Good news" to the Butler
Eagle, be responsible and STAY ALIVE !
Yours Truly,
A Friend who cares,
Timothy
(away from home)