Justin

I’ve done some things in my life I’m not proud of. I’ve said some things I can’t take back, like making fun of Tania’s new hairstyle which made her cry. Honestly it looked good on her, i’ve had a crush on her since 5th grade. But when she laughed as I tripped and fell in front of the whole classroom, I didn’t know what else to do but fire back.

I’m trying to do better with what comes out of my mouth, but I get so nervous when there’s a lot of people around. I need to prove i’m not the one to be messed with. I need to show everyone that they don’t want to put me down because my mouth is quick to embarrass anybody.

But it’s hard always having to keep my guard up.

Then there’s Mom Mom. My mom’s mom. When i'm with her, I don’t have to be that way…well I can’t be that way. She snaps at me in a way that I know she’s Boss. Everyone in the family respects her.

She’s the lioness. She sees me in ways others don’t. She sees i’m the youngest of 5 boys and i'm just a kid who is never heard. She nips me with her lioness claw to make sure I’m listening and then she asks me what’s going on.

When I tell her, she listens. I know she listens because she looks at me straight in my face. And she responds to me with things that make sense, not just lectures or scolding.

She said I have a light in me that can’t shine because i'm hiding behind loud words. I want to be more of who I am when I'm around her. I want to be like her, strong but lovable. She gets respect without making anyone feel small.

I know Mom Mom is watching and checking for me. So, I’m working on it. And I hope Tania knows she’s beautiful.