Family Ties and Life Lessons

By Willie L. Sheard

Every cloud doesn’t have a silver lining and every tale doesn’t have a happy ending. You won’t find any brave worriers of virtue wielding magical swords and spears. There are no goblins and fairies or princesses and dragons here. But there is a story to be told. One of struggle and perseverance. One of love and joy. However, that’s a tale reserved for another day. This is a story of a man. A grand old man and his grandchildren. Fighting for what they all want most in life. Family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Willie L. Sheard
• Release date: Nov 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999185070

Willie L. Sheard

I was born and raised in the small town of Gifford, FL along with my mother and her parents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. Our house was small, but what it lacked in space we made up with love. It was the only place I have yet to truly call home. As I grew older and wiser so did my hunger for "more." I eventually moved from my home and ventured outward. By the age of nineteen I set my sights on entrepreneurship and like every great idea, I failed. Numerous times. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I was able to narrow my focus and latch onto my dreams. With a bit of wisdom from my grandparents and a strong dose of reality, ultimately lead to the creation of Drizbits Publishing. A company dedicated to the aspirations of the dreamer.

Book preview

The howling winds of a massive storm crashed into an old red brick house. Its chimney swayed slightly as streams of white smoke floated from its mouth. Waves of rain beat at the house walls like a drum while the lights flickered in its melody. A faint voice echoed throughout the hallway like a cricket in the dead of night. It pierced through the winds and charged beyond the rains while stemming from the center of the old house.

In the midst of this storm sat a wise older man of seventy years or so. His face was trimmed and coated with a snowy beard that outlined the corners of his chin. His skin mimicked well-aged caramel, and eyes gleamed as the sun would across the horizon. He stared down towards his feet where a small group of wide-eyed children stared back at him. They sat with their legs crossed, eager to hear the wisdom from the old man. There was a moment of silence. No one spoke a word. The old man raised his right hand and pointed at each child then spoke with much resolve.

No matter who you are or where you go, someone will always indubitably label you in some way, shape, or form. Most times, these labels will depend heavily on where you are and its people. But in most of these cases, these labels or biases are harmless and usually dissipate fairly quickly. However, the deadliest of labels aren’t given by random strangers who congregate in a particular location. Those labels are reserved for the people who know us best . . . our families and our friends! These are the people who do the most damage. Despite the many good deeds a person may do, for some reason, the bad will always outweigh the good. But there is a bright side to this grim reality. Believe it or not, we are all comprised of multiple labels, good and bad. But we are not defined by any one label. Although this idea is well known, it’s hardly practiced. Instead, we define everything and everyone by a single given label without considering the label’s accuracy. Society has normalized biases and integrated them into our day to day lives. We stand idle, as our unique perspective is replaced with normalized biases and computerized algorithms. But there is hope. We have the Onion! This simple vegetable has so much to teach us about ourselves. With each layer peeled back, another is exposed in all its glory.

Aww, hell, Mark! Them churren don’t wanna hear all them big words and that crazy talk you spittin’, a voice in the distance shouted. What they want is you to get to the point!

The wise old man shifted himself and glared at the man in the distance, Damnit Abe. Why can’t you just wait till I’m done talkin?

Yeah, Uncle Abe, its Granddaddy’s turn, said the youngest child. Of all the children, he, being the youngest, seemed to be the most interested in his grandfather’s stories. The young boy turned back towards his grandfather and spoke quickly, Granddaddy, what is the Onion thing you were talking about?

Mark smiled as he slowly rose from his chair and leaned forward towards the small crowd of children. The Onion is an idea. An idea that your Uncle Abe and I made up when we were small boys. Ya see, me and Abe, we think a lot alike in many ways, but for some reason, we go about things differently. Mark said as he sat back in his seat, making himself comfortable. We didn’t recognize it at first, but like with all men, it would take a woman for us to understand this thing we called The Onion. Mark smiled then spoke using his hands to emphasize important points, It started way back when we were around eighteen years old… As Mark began to talk, the children listened in awe. However, the youngest of the bunch had an extremely active imagination, and he unknowingly converted his grandfather’s words into real-life events. He watched as a younger version of his grandfather argued with his brother as they stood at the edge of their driveway.

Damnit Abe, you always going round doing some dumb shit, Mark said as he slapped Abe across the back of his head. Didn’t Daddy tell you just yesterday not to be messing round them white women?

Gawd-ly Mark! Do you always hafta do whatever Daddy say? We ain't little kids no more, so why do you gotta hold on to everything he say? Abe said as he shoved Mark away from him. I don’t give a god damn about what Daddy said. I’m going to see Elizabeth tonight, and you should go too. You never know…her sister might start to like you. If you stop being a scary-cat, you might even get a taste of some vanilla ice cream!

Mark paused.

You know you wanna go, Abe added, Live a little! You’re an adult now, and it’s high time you start acting like one.

It’s high time you stop acting like a child, Mark replied.

The only child here is you, Mark. You’re supposed to be the older one, but you still sucking on mamma titty.

Mark's eyes widened. He balled his fists as tight as he could, and sucker-punched Abe with all his might. Mark’s fist landed in the center of Abe’s left cheek, causing him to stumble backward, nearly crashing to the pavement. Abe quickly collected himself and charged at Mark, slamming him to the ground. Mark tore away at Abe’s shirt as his body toppled over, flinging up dirt as he fell. Abe slammed onto Mark only to be punched a second time by Mark's flailing fists.

The two boys rolled around until Abe overpowered Mark by sitting on his chest with his arms restrained. Let me go! Mark shouted. You can’t beat me in a fair fight! You always have to grab me to win! he added. Abe leaned back as far as he could then head-butted Mark with as much force as he could muster.

Fights aren’t fair! Abe shouted as he prepared to head-butt Mark once again. Mark twisted and turned until he scooted himself to the edge of the driveway while blocking Abe’s head-buts. He opened his hands and closed his eyes as he scooped up a hand full of sand. Just as Abe was about to head-butt him once more, Mark flung the sand into the air, causing Abe to cry out in agony.

My eyes! Abe cried out, Damnit Mark! You got sand in my eyes!

Abe freed himself from Mark’s clutches using his feet to kick Mark from off the top of him. Once free, Mark shouted, No fair in fighting, right?! however, he was too exhausted to continue. He stood to his feet and staggered towards the street just a few short feet away then sat on the edge of the driveway. He brushed himself off and stared into the distance.

One day, I’m not gonna go so easy on you, Abe said as he sat next to Mark, wiping the sand from his eyes.

Yea, and one day you will stop acting like a child.

I’m not acting childish or being foolish. I want to enjoy life. Dad is always preaching to us, telling us to ‘smell the roses’ and ‘enjoy life while we young’ but Mark, how can we if everything is always off-limits?

I feel the same way, but there is more to life than that.

Like what?

I don’t know!

Abe stood to his feet, Well, when you figure out another way to enjoy life, you let me know.

Come on man. We both know that if you go over there, you only asking for trouble.

An exciting life is better than a dull one. It’s like Dad said, ‘One should never simply exist; to be alive means to live.

I hear you Abe but what is it to live if it’s only for a moment?

Abe paused. He seemed to be confused but before Mark could say any more Abe walked away, then spoke from a distance, It’s still life . . . my life.

Mark remained silent and watched Abe walk away. He began to question his life and compare himself to his younger brother. He wondered if he was truly living a life worth living. Mark sat for a few moments as his mind drifted in thought. Just as he neared clarity, an unusual car pulled up and rolled its windows down. A young girl leaned over the passenger window and pressed herself against it. Her breast hung like ripe fruit while her blond hair swayed with the breeze. She licked her lips slightly and gazed at Mark. Her blue eyes froze him still, and as she spoke, he was nearly unable to breathe.

Snap out of it!

The young girl’s high pitched voice caught Mark’s attention as he quickly replied, Yea, I’m here.

The young girl giggled and extended her hand, I’m Elizabeth, but my friends call me Liz. Mark reached out his hand and held onto hers. Her skin was as soft as cotton and as smooth as silk. You must be Mark, she said as she pulled him in closer. Your brother told me you were odd, but seeing it for myself, well it’s kind of cute. You’re like a little puppy dog. Elizabeth giggled while pulling her hand away. Where IS that handsome brother of yours?

Mark took a step back and replied, I’m not my brother’s keeper.

Well, you tell him I was here. I’m sure he’ll be along soon. Make sure he doesn’t keep me waiting. I hate waiting.

Yeah whatever, Mark replied.

No reason to be bitter honey. I don’t mind if you come along too. I’m sure my sister would love her very own puppy dog. Elizabeth smiled and covered her mouth as if she were judging Mark’s reaction. Any-who, she said as she leaned back into the car, You deliver my message for me – and I hope to see the two of you tonight. She rolled up her window and slowly drove away. Mark remained silent as his heart stomped around in his chest. He stood and watched as the car disappeared into the distance.

Mark . . . Mark! Damnit Mark, snap out of it! Abe shouted as he stood in front of his brother, nearly out of breath. Why you didn’t stop them! I know you heard me yelling at you from the from back there. Abe said while pointing.

Umm,

Umm! What you mean, umm?! I saw you talking to her, so what she said?

She was so beautiful. I mean really, really beauti—

I know what she looks like. What I don’t know is what she said!

Hold ya horses and let me take it all in – she said for us to meet them this evening.

US?!

Yea, us.

"Boy, I knew you had some Drisdom somewhere, deep . . . deep down in there somewhere!

Abe began to clap his hands and prance around as he sang, Yea, we about to mix this hard chocolate with some creamy va-nill-a, baby! We bout to get it, we bout to get it!

But just as Abe sunk into his happy dance, Mark interrupted him, I’m not going.

Abe stopped dancing as his demeanor became still and serious. Oh, you going, he said without skipping a beat.

Says who?

Says me! She already invited you to go – why not go? Why not do something fun for a change?

I have fun!

When?

Plenty of times!

Name one. Mark stared at Abe briefly, then turned and looked away. Come on! Do this one thing for me. Abe pleaded.

Mark paused as flashes of Elizabeth breezed through his mind. He smiled slightly and said, Maybe just this once. Abe’s eyes widened as he shouted, Really – oh, yes! Abe jumped onto Mark, tackling him to the ground. That’s the brother I know and love!

There was an awkward silence as the story suddenly came to an abrupt stop. A high pitch voice shattered the silence, Granddaddy, why did you stop talking?

Mark looked down at the small child with despair in his eyes, That was one of my biggest mistakes I ever made. Mark raised his head and glanced at each child, "No matter what life throws your way, do your best to stay true to who you are and don’t give in to peer pressure.

Lesson 2

Should You Give In Don’t Ever Regret

Mark stared deeply into the palms of his hands. He looked around at his home while the children sat at his feet. How would you like to hear the story of The Big Bad Wolf or a story with witches and dragons?! The children looked around at one another and spoke amongst themselves. I’m sure you kids would rather hear magical stories of kings and queens! Stories that can take you into a world of make-believe and fantasy? But to his surprise, not a single child spoke up.

These churren don’t care about magical horses and short people with pointy ears, Abe said from a distance. They’re our grand-churren, and they want to hear our stories, not some washed up and re-told fairy-tales. Abe stood to his feet and drug his chair next to Mark’s. He flopped himself down into the chair then shouted, But they don’t want to hear a bunch of jibberish either! If you gonna tell them a story – don’t leave out the juicy parts. Hell, we in the middle of a storm. It’s not like we goin anywhere.

Abe glanced down at the kids and leaned forward as he spoke aloud, Now it’s true, what your granddaddy said about peer pressure and standing your ground and whatnot. But what he didn’t tell you is that some of the best and most vital memories in life often come from those moments of weakness.

Damnit Abe, I’m trying to teach these kids, not fill their heads up with foolishness!

You and I both know that there’s more to life than good deeds.

Yea . . . jail, prison, and prostitution!

That and excitement, joy, and pleasure!

A child must learn the ways of the world before they can stand on their own.

And yet, we must know bitter before we can know sweet!

While the two brothers argued, the smallest child stood to his feet and spoke curiously, What is a prison? Abe and Mark suddenly became silent. Abe crossed his legs, and with a slight smile, he said, I don’t know, ask your Granddaddy.

The small child turned slightly to face Mark, expecting an answer to his question. Mark sat back in his chair and thought briefly, twiddling his thumbs as he thought of a suitable response. Once he had thought of the perfect answer, he leaned down and opened his mouth to speak only to be interrupted by Abe, Prison is Hell on Earth. The place where all the bad jokers go when they get caught. Stealin’, killin’, rapin’, and…

Damnit, Abe! Mark shouted as he covered Abe’s mouth with his hand. They don’t need to hear all that! Abe quickly swatted Mark’s hand away and shouted, And why not? These churren need to know how the world works. It’s only a matter of time before we—

I know that! All the more reason to take care of our words.

There you go again with that kind-hearted mess.

Mark looked down at the children and spoke calmly, Prison is much like what Uncle Abe said, but prison can also be a place in your mind or a feeling or even a situation. Mark paused as he noticed the confused looks on the children’s faces. Who knows where our story left off at? Mark said with a slight smile.

The smallest of the children quickly raised his hand and said, We at the part when yall was goin’ wit them white girls. Mark smiled, Yes I remember now . . . hmm, let me think what happened next.

The small child sat down, eager to hear Mark continue his story. Don’t you dare Mark, I’m tellin’ this part of the story. I remember this part clearly. Mark didn’t argue with Abe; he sat back in his chair and crossed his arms and began to listen to Abe’s story. As he began to speak, Mark noticed something odd about his small grandson. He was clearly different than the others. The young child sat upright with his legs were crossed; however, his eyes were different somehow. Almost as if he were in a trance. But despite that slight oddity, Mark listened along as Abe told his story.

Although your granddaddy likes you to believe he’s a golden boy, he wasn’t always like that. You see after we were invited to that party . . .

Abe’s words began to blend together, changing from a string of words into a motion picture. Once again, the overly active imagination of the smallest child took over. Mark and Abe were fully dressed in their finest clothes. They both wore an all-black suit with a red tie. Mark had cut his hair just hours before his arrival and decided to add a white carnation to his suit pocket, while Abe wore his vest complete with a red rose and white handkerchief.

Are we really going to do this? Mark asked Abe as they stood in front of the dancehall entryway. We are leaving prom to be with these white girls… Abe turned his back towards Mark and faced the street. He buttoned his vest and wiped away the wrinkles from his slacks.

Of course we are. Mark took a deep breath to calm himself down, he then stood in front of Abe and spoke confidently, We’ve been standing here for almost five minutes. If she were really coming, she should have been here by now.

Calm down Mark. She’ll be here.

"Look. All I’m saying is don’t get your