Sangay Glass's Blog - Posts Tagged "life"

"When people build their own prisons, they make sure the walls are too high to escape." is a quote from Blue Jeans, a street hustler in the novel Kate, Blue Jeans, and a Single Shot.

Blue believed that, on some level, he created his situation, but it's not entirely true. We all know people fall or fail for multiple reasons. I don't need to detail them here.

But after that quote, I added to Blue's thought, "Escape seems hopeless, but dreams can go anywhere."

Everyone has dreams of a better future for themselves and the people they cherish. In the novel, I wanted to bring home the concept that it takes more than money to significantly change someone's life.

My dad lived the role of Jack, Blue's friend and mentor, who finally figured out that his handouts only prolonged Blue's agony. Blue needed a hand up.

What's the difference?

Yes, money and charity make a considerable impact initially, but my dad and Jack took things further.

In real-life, my dad gave chances to good kids and adults caught up in the cycle of crime and poverty. If you worked for my dad, you were not just an employee; you were a part of his life.

He'd bring you fishing on his boat. You were welcomed at gatherings where he'd introduce you to friends and family. He'd take you out to fancy dinners and shows to teach you how to dress and behave in situations way outside your realm. And finally, through example, he would show you that home extends beyond your door and that you keep it clean and respectable.

When my dad retired as a millionaire at sixty, he had set up his mentees in their own ventures. Then my dad, who was dyslexic (like me), got his high school diploma, not a GED, at sixty-two, showing it's never too late to make improvements in your life.

My dad did this because someone did it for him. A wonderful wealthy couple opened a door when they gave him a chance.

As a poor kid in ripped pants and a torn tee shirt, he knocked on their door, asking for work during the depression. They offered him some gardening work, took my dad under their wing. They all remained friends and family until each of them passed many years later.

But their mentorship extended beyond my dad because he paid it forward.

Everyone has a dream of a better life. Even if you lack material resources, you can consistently offer kindness, empathy, and inclusiveness.

What's free for you could mean freedom to someone else.

The character Blue Jeans thought he had nothing. He didn't realize that his freebies greatly impacted the people around him.

Now that you know the impact of real change, you can do the same.

All that said, I hope you'll give my breakout novel a chance. It's a story that explores the complexities of mentorship and personal growth.

However, despite the uplifting ending, I also understand that the subject matter can be heavy and dark. I suggest you read the trigger warnings before diving in. As a psychiatric nurse, I do care about your mental health.

One morning, Hollis Gordon was behind the shed, sneaking a wink or two before his industrious wife found him and put him to work.

Before long, a big mamma pig sashayed over to Hollis. She snuggled up to him for a quick nap before her piglets came looking for their afternoon meal.

Next, Brother Rat, on the run from the barnyard cat, sought refuge under Hollis' hat, clutching a ripe strawberry. All that was visible of him was his tail, lazily wagging over Hollis' eyes like a windshield wiper.

Soon after, the old yard dog, sick of being hounded by the new pup for play, was looking for a good hide. He finally found shade and seclusion beside his sleeping master, who was snoring up a fine rendition of The Sawmill Blues.

Well, it wasn't long before the tune reached Hollis' wife, Mavis. She stormed around the back of the shed with a fiery lecture ready to be unleashed on her husband.

"Oh my," Mavis said as she rounded the corner, coming upon the disgraceful sight, "You sure can tell a lot about someone by the company they keep."

Mavis poked old Hollis in the belly with the handle of a pitchfork.

With that, the pig, the rat, and the dog all got up and walked away in shame, but Hollis just snorted, smacked his lips a few times, and rolled over.