Stresses, My thoughts, My outcomes

It was not until much later I realized my childhood bestfriend was a victim to maltreatment. The days were long but we always enjoyed each other we laughed, played, rode our bikes, and had thoughts of our teenage life. She was the best friend I thought I would ever have. Pamela,Pam, or Pammie I would call her, she lived next door to my dad and step mother. I use to go stay with my dad every summer. When I met her I was a little sad oneday because this summer my dad moved away from the suburb of Rochester, NY into the city limits. I was sitting on the steps and this little girl walked up with curly sandy brown hair from next door and asked if I wanted to play, naturally my first thought was "yippy." I ran inside asked my dad and we were the best friends ever. We enjoyed be at each other's house all of the time everyday. I probably stayed over house more than she stayed with me because she had more things because I only came for the summer. As we became close, and time went on I realized a change in her mom but only in the evenings. Sandy was her name she drank alot and was a different person when she did. We would always go to Pammie's room when she would start drinking. I would always wonder why and one day the darkest clod appeared when my friend came out to play after I did not see her for the weekend because I was at my god parents house. She came outside with a black eye but she acted as if nothing was wrong. I knew then our lives changed. I asked her about it and she responded "you left." I was devastated and confused and I blamed myself for a long time, after a long conversation with my friend it came out that if I left her she would get a spanken or hit or even could not eat when Sandy was drinking. As a child I was scared to tell or talk about it until oneday I heard her and my dad did to, he ran next door and I followed we heard Pammie crying for help. My dad went into the house got her straight from her mother's arms and our lives changed he secret was out. My dad not believing what he saw talked with us and asked alot of questions and he found out more than I would ever know. I could go on and on about Pam's life bit it would take more than a blog. Everyday was a testimony and now as an adult I pay very close attention to the body language and thoughts of young children today I do not take things lightly. Maltreatment happens every hour of every day we just do not know it or do not want to believe it. Pam was able to seek assistance and had family (siblings) who removed her from the situation but they were aware as well because it happened to them. I missed her so but I knew she was better off. We lost touch over the years and as I am writing I remember so many times but I do not even remember her last name it has been so many years. Africa is my country of choice because I have seen so many instances of hunger and struggles of poverty, lack of education ornot being able toprovide education not to even think about the sicknesses especialy in the young children. I admire our rappers, artists, and those of interest who take the time to go to these countries. Alicia Keys, WyClef, and even Jay-Z and Curtis Jackson (50cents)all who we consider to be wealthy individuals. In the counrty t hey also experience not having clean water to drink or wash with, they struggle to get medication toheal the sick. I am thankful everyday for circumstances but I have started my own venture to give back to the homeless in the community. It has changed my thought process and how I see every individual as just that and individual with any judgements every one deserves someone. I encourage everyone to reach back into your community with our children and their families it is our duty to help all children to succeed in life.