Mike

By Lloyd Mickens

In a world where family dynamics are constantly changing, it’s not uncommon to find young adults taking on the role of caretaker for their younger siblings. But what happens when the roles are reversed, and a young man is raised by his older brother? In this powerful memoir, we are taken on a journey through the eyes of a young man who was raised by his seventeen-year-old brother.

This book is a tribute to the power of love and the strength of brotherhood. It is a story of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bond between two brothers. Through their story, we are reminded that no matter what challenges we may face in life, we can always overcome them with the support of those we love.

So watch out, world, here comes Mike, just a kid with big dreams and an even bigger heart!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781669877967

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 by Lloyd Mickens.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 05/16/2023

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Preface

Brotherly Love

Losing

Childhood

Chapter 1     Started from the Bottom

Chapter 2     904 Memories

Chapter 3     Hometown

Chapter 4     The College Experience

Chapter 5     The Rattlers Charge

Chapter 6     Mike

Acknowledgments

About the Author

To

Wilma J. Mickens,

rest in peace; you will always be my hero.

_____________

To all the people who have helped me become:

My big brother who raised me—Javon Mickens.

To my small circle of friends and family, who always lift me up.

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PREFACE

When I was a kid, I used to tell people that when I grew up, I was going to be an artist. I had a passion for expressing myself artistically. Art is a form of communication that allows me to express my emotions, ideas, and perspectives in a unique and creative way.

So far in my life, I’ve had a variety of jobs, each with its own unique set of challenges and experiences. I started with a part-time job as a cashier at Kentucky Fried Chicken. I’ve been a college student at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). And as of recently, I am the first in my family to join the United States Navy as a naval officer—a job that has challenged and humbled me.

Regardless of the path I’ve taken, each job has provided valuable lessons and skills that helped shape my character and future endeavors. Looking back, there’s a lot I still don’t know about life and about what the future might bring. But I do know myself and who I am. My story is what I own. It is something that has shaped me into the man I am today.

(Fade in the art classroom, day.)

A group of elementary school students are seated at their desks, sketching away at their art assignments. In the back of the room, we see a young man named MIKE, hunched over his paper with intense focus.

The assignment for the day is to draw a portrait of someone they admire, and we see various portraits of celebrities and family members scattered across the desks. But Mike’s drawing stands out—it‘s a detailed sketch of basketball legend KOBE BRYANT.

MIKE (muttering to himself). Come on, come on . . . gotta get this just right (as he continues to sketch, we see flashbacks of him watching Kobe‘s games, cheering him on as he sinks a game-winning shot. We see him practicing his own basketball skills on the court, trying to emulate Kobe’s moves).

(Cut to Mike’s bedroom, night.)

MIKE is sitting at his desk, surrounded by Kobe Bryant posters and memorabilia. He‘s sketching Kobe’s face, deep in concentration.

MIKE’s MOM (poking her head in the door). Time to turn out the lights, hon. You can finish that drawing tomorrow.

MIKE (looking up, determined). Mom, I need to finish this now. It‘s important.

(Cut back to the art classroom, day.)

(Mike’s art teacher, MS. JOHNSON, approaches his desk and looks over his shoulder.)

MS. JOHNSON. Wow, Mike. This is incredible. You really captured his intensity and focus.

MIKE (smirking with pride). Thanks, Ms. Johnson. Kobe’s always been my hero.

MS. JOHNSON (smiling). Well, you’ve certainly done him justice. I can’t wait to see what you create in the future.

Mike nods, his eyes shining with a newfound sense of purpose. As the bell rings and the students gather their things to leave, we see Mike carefully pack away his drawing, knowing that he’s created something truly special.

(Fade out.)

BROTHERLY LOVE

The bond between siblings can be one of the most enduring and powerful relationships in a person’s life. For one young man, this bond became the foundation of his life when he was left to be raised by his older brother.

In this book, we explore the story of a young man who was raised by his brother and how this experience shaped his life in profound ways. From a young age, he was forced to confront challenges that were far beyond his years, and he learned to rely on his brother for support and guidance.

Through his journey, we will see the unique struggles and triumphs that come with being raised by an older sibling. We will see the deep love and loyalty that exist between siblings and how it can transcend even the most difficult circumstances.

We will also see the ways in which this young man’s experiences shaped his outlook on life and his relationships with others. We will see how he learned to be independent, resilient, and resourceful in the face of adversity, and how these traits have helped him to achieve great things.

Ultimately, this is a story about the power of family, the resilience of the human spirit, and the bonds that tie us together. It is a tribute to the strength and sacrifice of siblings who step up to care for one another and a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, love and support can help us overcome the greatest challenges.

In reading this book, I hope that you will be moved by my story and that you will be inspired to reflect on your own experiences with family and the powerful bonds that exist between siblings.

LOSING

Monday, 8:05 AM

The year 2001 is the year that I will never forget. It’s that year that taught me the true meaning of love and the definition of family. Every