what do i know?

It's very ironic that the four years I spent in Frye's Mobile Home Park & Hog Farm-a trailer park typically being a clear symbol of first world poverty-were some of the most enjoyable years of my life. Outside of school, my siblings and I were rarely short of total freedom. There were always people around, so we could always find something to do, whether or not that entailed trouble. Also, in some strange way, though I was ashamed of my home, this was a time in my life when I feel as though my self-confidence peaked. It was during these years (8-12 years of age) that I realized that I was able to perform very well in school and in sports. I was one of the best students in my grade and was always one of the best players on my football and baseball teams. I also learned during this time that I had artistic abilities. I had a lot of friends. This was actually the only point in my life that girls wanted to be my girlfriend. I felt intelligent, athletic, talented, a...

It is time to honor another amazing person in my life. With Father's Day coming up, I can think of no better time to do so for this person. I have had a handful of father figures in my life, but one surpasses them all in effect, duration, and significance to me. That man is my wonderful grandfather, JC McLawhorn. This is not intended to insult my own father or anyone else, but to recognize the preeminent male figure in my life. There is no other man who comes anywhere close to my granddad in terms of duration in my life, lessons taught to me, and love shown to me. He is far from perfect, but still closer to it than any man I know. I am reluctant to use the following phrase because it is used so frequently that it seems trite, but I would absolutely not be who I am today if not for this man being such a huge part of my life. He has shown me the value of a lifelong commitment to marriage. I have not seen the level of cooperation, mutual care and respect, and genuine love that ...

It's fun and cathartic to periodically share childhood stories. It helps me to preserve them, and I genuinely believe people like to hear real stories about real people. We all have them, and it is good to share in the experiences of others. With that said, it's time for another segment from me. I lived in the dynamic metropolis known as Aynor, South Carolina from the ages of eight to twelve. Even more impressive, our lives centered on a local dual business venture: Frye's Mobile Home Park and Hog Farm. It's ok to be jealous. Aside from socioeconomics (we were all on an even playing field), Frye's was a very diverse place. We were white, black, Mexican, old, young, kind of poor, and really poor. There was frequent racial tension and violence. Among the very same individuals, it was normal to have days of irredeemable, friendship-ending conflict followed by days of adventure and laughter. One of my good friends from the trailer park was a black guy named Jeffery....