Back in Time

This is how I kept my life on track.

With the sun breaking through the blinds and showering my room with brightness, my wake up call comes early. I could not immediately open my eyes because of the sun. As I sat on the edge of my bed I began to reflect on my life. As each passing day goes by it brings us one day closer to death. With my brain working overtime reflecting, I began to wonder how I came to this point in my life. All the influences, paths, friends that crossed in and out of my life have been many. So, as I sat there I thought of all the people I knew that unfortunately did not make it to this point in their life. As sad as I felt I began to wonder how I got so lucky to be alive, not on drugs, or in jail.

When I started high school I definitely drank and smoked weed. I don’t sit here and claim to be squeaky clean. I just never did the hardcore drugs. I was at many parties where I had the opportunity to do whatever drug I wanted to do. As time went on I found my attitude getting worse and the thoughts of doing the hardcore drugs to calm me down became more prevalent. Just as I was ready to go down the wrong path and ruin my life, I started working at Teddy’s Pizza. Teddy’s was the local corner pizza shop. You know, where everyone wound up at the end of the night. It was ran by an amazing greek family. Over the years I got to know them really well. So one day I approached Teddy the owner for a job. I know teddy wasn’t one for having a teenage kid from the corner working in his store, but he saw something in me and gave me a the opportunity. He started me on nights and weekends. I must say this: I worked very hard to prove to him I was worthy of this opportunity. Being at the store nights and weekends kept me from going out and making bad decisions. I loved this place so much I began to hang out there even when I wasn’t working. Teddy, Harry, Timmy, Eugina, and Helen all treated me like I was family. I even drank Ouzo at their house on a few Sunday’s. Timmy and I started hanging out more and more. We would work until midnight or so then head out to midnight bowling or shoot some pool at Fusco’s. By doing this I stayed on the up and up.

To this day I believe that Teddy’s played a huge part in keeping me drug free. I don’t know if the family has any idea what they have done for me or the positive impact on my life that they had. Because of Teddy and the rest of the family I did not get caught up in the mess that was running rampant. To all of you I am eternally grateful. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all.