Crossroads

I found an excerpt from Charles' journal I want to share. He wrote it while contemplating going to law school. He was extremely driven to push himself to the very limit. He would always find something challenging and have a go at it. It was a privilege to be a part of his reaching for the stars. I would support him in his endeavors; but make no mistake, all the amazing things he accomplished were his ideas, and his efforts. I just stood and watched in admiration and awe, and loved him through it all. It was an honor to love such a man as Charles. He changed his life from night to day, from dark to light. He is an inspiration to me. It was said of him, "He was the best of men."  And it is true. (The picture was taken while in law school.) 

Charles' Journal Entry
October 3, 2003 

I am at a great crossroads in my life. I spent the first half of my life living in fear and ignorance. As I have begun to live the gospel of Jesus Christ I have made changes in my life sufficient to change the course of my life forever. There is yet one area of my life that it is not certain I will be able to deviate from, as far as my past is concerned.

During my youth and even now I have lived in what some consider to be poverty. Because of the disadvantages associated with my socioeconomic status, entering the world of the educated and influential class has been a challenge. My biggest challenge is deciding whether or not I really wish to be a part of a world that I have never known, and that certainly does not understand me.

I could be quite comfortable eking out a living and dying in obscurity. I want more out of life. I have always felt, even in my darkest hours, that there is something special about me, and that I have something special to offer the world. I hope that everyone feels that way. I believe it is what some would describe as hope. I hope there is more to life than what is apparent. Life until relatively recently has not had much to look forward to.

I have much to look forward to now.

- Charles