It’s tough growing up. For the longest time my brother was angry at me for going to the Air Force, then only staying home from 1998-2000 before moving to Houston in 2000. I also met Kris in 2000 when Shaq was 6. It was real hard for him to get it, and as you have read, his grades have not only reflected the racial discrimination he receives as the only black kid in school, but also because I am not there, and because my grandparents died two and a half years ago. All of those things heavily affect him.

In this comment, I’m basically showing you a huge part of my life that I’ve written about on my blog here and there. LOL. I’m summarizing it for you right now, because I want you to know that you are NOT alone.

Both Kris and I have tutored Shaq since he was in 1st grade. He has had to go to summer school every single year except last year. Every year is the same. We tutor him, and then he doesn’t retain the information. My mom, well, she’s too tired to tutor him every night (she’s an animal control officer chasing dogs all day) and the school… they won’t put him in modified classes because the No Child Left Behind Act punishes schools that enroll more than 3% of their students in learning disability classes by cutting their funding.

The school Shaq goes to has 8% enrolled, and they have been penalized for this. As a result, there is a practically impossible chance that Shaq will end up in modified classes. Professionals claim Shaq needs this, but the school can’t afford to do it because of the consequences.

Now, I could go on and on… but I want to end it with this. I am your most loyal commenter, because I’ll never forget your kindness. You helped me with AJAX when no one else would. You gave me special attention to something that means a lot to me… my outlet of expression: my blog.

In addition, I love your prose. I never tire of it. I wish more people would read your blog, because it is semi-personal and can teach a lot of people about what it’s like to be a marine who is in love who is honest to himself and deals with conflict and isn’t afraid to admit it (quite humble). It is an admirable quality and entertaining for me because I learn a lot. I enjoy sociology, what can I say? I also enjoy making friends with people like yourself who are willing to do what it takes to reach out and touch someone. I lsee the power and potential of the internet, and I can see you do too!

One of these days, when you and Hiromi hook up… and visit Texas, I’ll have to hit you up so you can meet Kris and I. Part of my goal online is to meet all of my fave bloggers. I’ve met two so far… so the adventure for me has only begun. I look forward to what the future brings. I also look forward to your insightful entries. So, in essence, keep up the great blogging!!