Shining Star
My friend Shining Star is an addict. A drug addict. He's been since our teens. Back then it was only pot. As time went by, it got worse. Since we were kids, he was in and out of Juvenile Hall and boot camps. He was always punished for his drug use, never was he rehabilitated for it.
He used to run away. And when he did, he ran to and with fellow users who really didn't give a rats ass about him. And he knew that. And that's why he would call me. He would call from wherever he was and tell me how lonely he was and that he needed me. And I always went to him. He got the lecture every time from me but he always said the lecture was worth it for seeing me.
We'd been friends for years. Since we were kids. We went to High School together too. His time in school was sporadic because of his time in juvy and camps. But when he did go to school, he was very smart. We had some classes close to eachother and every day after class he was outside waiting for me to walk me to my next class.
Shining Star and I were strictly platonic friends. I was dating his best friend Junior. At times things were hard for all 3 of us because of Shining Star's and my friendship and Junior and I's relationship. After Junior and I broke up we all just became like 3 best friends. And we all still are to this day.
As I write, Shining Star is in jail. He's been in there for a year a half already awaiting trial, now he's awaiting sentencing. He is now 31 years old and is in serious trouble now. He's not getting his hand slapped anymore like when he was a kid. Unfortunately he didn't grow up and out of stupid stuff like that, like the rest of our friends did. One of the proudest things I can say is that he never brought me into that "world" of his. He never did drugs around me. And always said he'd kick my ass if I even smoked pot. I know it's because he cared about me.
He's not a monster. He's one of the sweetest most caring person that I know. He's NEVER physically hurt anybody and NEVER would. He's sick. He has an addiction and he needs serious help. And I'm the first person in line to help in any way I can. I was always there for him when we were kids and he needed me. And I am and will always be here for him now.
I was asked by him, his family and his attorney to write a character letter for him. And that's what I thought I needed help on. But after I thought about it and talked to Julia about it, I realized that only I could write a letter about him. No one knows him like I do. No one!
So I wrote the letter today. I want to share A BIT of the letter because I really want people to realize the affection I have for this person and how much I support him. Sure you could call him a loser and most people will and do. I, however, will never. I will though call him Shining Star for that's what he's always been to me.
...
As a friend, Shining Star is as best of a friend you could possibly be blessed with. He is a very loyal, honest, considerate and supportive individual who has always been there for me in times of need. He is a loving and caring son, husband, father and friend. I could never imagine my life without him in it at any capacity.
In all honesty, besides his addiction, I can't think of anything negative when it comes to Shining Star. I believe that he has a very bright future ahead of him. He is a very hard worker and a great provider for his family. This unfortunate event should not cause a detour in his progress of life. He needs rehabilitation, not incarceration for his addictions so that he may be a better role model for his son. He has his entire family and my support and we will do whatever we can to help ensure that he continues to positively develop his life.
I am very proud to call Shining Star my friend.
Sincerely,
Valerie
He used to run away. And when he did, he ran to and with fellow users who really didn't give a rats ass about him. And he knew that. And that's why he would call me. He would call from wherever he was and tell me how lonely he was and that he needed me. And I always went to him. He got the lecture every time from me but he always said the lecture was worth it for seeing me.
We'd been friends for years. Since we were kids. We went to High School together too. His time in school was sporadic because of his time in juvy and camps. But when he did go to school, he was very smart. We had some classes close to eachother and every day after class he was outside waiting for me to walk me to my next class.
Shining Star and I were strictly platonic friends. I was dating his best friend Junior. At times things were hard for all 3 of us because of Shining Star's and my friendship and Junior and I's relationship. After Junior and I broke up we all just became like 3 best friends. And we all still are to this day.
As I write, Shining Star is in jail. He's been in there for a year a half already awaiting trial, now he's awaiting sentencing. He is now 31 years old and is in serious trouble now. He's not getting his hand slapped anymore like when he was a kid. Unfortunately he didn't grow up and out of stupid stuff like that, like the rest of our friends did. One of the proudest things I can say is that he never brought me into that "world" of his. He never did drugs around me. And always said he'd kick my ass if I even smoked pot. I know it's because he cared about me.
He's not a monster. He's one of the sweetest most caring person that I know. He's NEVER physically hurt anybody and NEVER would. He's sick. He has an addiction and he needs serious help. And I'm the first person in line to help in any way I can. I was always there for him when we were kids and he needed me. And I am and will always be here for him now.
I was asked by him, his family and his attorney to write a character letter for him. And that's what I thought I needed help on. But after I thought about it and talked to Julia about it, I realized that only I could write a letter about him. No one knows him like I do. No one!
So I wrote the letter today. I want to share A BIT of the letter because I really want people to realize the affection I have for this person and how much I support him. Sure you could call him a loser and most people will and do. I, however, will never. I will though call him Shining Star for that's what he's always been to me.
...
As a friend, Shining Star is as best of a friend you could possibly be blessed with. He is a very loyal, honest, considerate and supportive individual who has always been there for me in times of need. He is a loving and caring son, husband, father and friend. I could never imagine my life without him in it at any capacity.
In all honesty, besides his addiction, I can't think of anything negative when it comes to Shining Star. I believe that he has a very bright future ahead of him. He is a very hard worker and a great provider for his family. This unfortunate event should not cause a detour in his progress of life. He needs rehabilitation, not incarceration for his addictions so that he may be a better role model for his son. He has his entire family and my support and we will do whatever we can to help ensure that he continues to positively develop his life.
I am very proud to call Shining Star my friend.
Sincerely,
Valerie
posted by Valerie at 6:35 PM
6 Comments:
awww...Mama. We all need friends like you.
that's too bad. drugs have ruined many a fine person. including most everyone in my family.
I found my way to your blog accidently, and stopped to read your post...I was speechless. It felt like you were describing my best friend in high school. Drugs took him on a path he would follow for many years. He also went to jail, for quite a while. Fortunatley, he finally found his way. He has a beautiful family now and is happier than he ever imagined he could be. I hope your friend finds his happiness one day soon.
So many people turn to drugs because they think drugs are their friend, but instead drugs become their worst enemy. At least he has a good friend in you. You did a good deed.
You are a good friend. Not everyone would be able to see past the sickness of addiction, but you obviously do and it was really good of you to write that letter. So sad when the system totally fails someone like that…
Good for you! What a sweet friend. I'm glad you wrote the letter. We're having to do the same for my brother in law, who is here unlegally (yes, that's right...he's not an illegal person...he just happens to not be legal because of our laws) and I've had to write many letters over the years to keep him here with his family (wife and 2 kids).
Good luck!!
Crystal
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