Marcus Thomas - On to the Next thing: Believe Every Part of Your Life Speaks to Unveil Strength and Courage toward Your Destiny

Thanks, Dad! Until we meet again.

W hat just happened to me? Im sitting here pondering how my life has suddenly changed and Im thinking to myself, let's write a book. This may or may not seem like a normal reaction to any situation in life that may occur for someone else, but my process like always seems to be different yet purposely derived. I was provoked and motivated to share parts of my life and as I embarked on this journey I discovered how much of my life has really mattered. Each one of us has a storied life filled with underlying narrative that guides and also exacts its toll on our very soul. The personal details I share are meant to be a bridge and an invite to anyone willing to explore the deeper meaning of their life and an inspired life map to keep going on to the next thing.

Charleston, SC
www.PalmettoPublishing.com

On to the Next Thing

Copyright 2020 by Marcus Thomas Sr.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-64990-916-9

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-64990-913-8

eBook: ISBN 978-1-64990-912-1

ON TO THE NEXT THING

a memoir

I t's odd as I sit here. The first thing that comes to my mind is Marcus how did you get here? So I started to think to myself, how about you examine your life to understand some of the details that reveal who you are. I would hope that, through this perspective, my self-evaluation and detailed inspection would give me insight as to how consistent or inconsistent I have actually been. Counseling, advising, and consoling are some things Ive done for others, but now may be a good time to look inward and identify memories, events, flaws, and strengths that have propelled me on to the next thing in my life. For some, this endeavor is suited for a professional or someone with strong wisdom you deeply trust, but I feel like Im up to the tasksince Im now unemployed (not really in love with this term but will get to it later), humbled, and mentally open, as many are when certain streams of life are changed or are cut off from the normal flow.

My parents first came to Chicago in 1970 after leaving Hawkinsville, a small town in the state of Georgia, arriving here with very little. I know this because my parents would share with me and my three siblings when we were young, and this is probably the reason we comprehended thankfulness and appreciation at a young age. But truthfully, the effects of less or just enough, because we were so young, seemed to not impact us. None of our provision was based on what we knew or did. As I think about my parents, Im trying to imagine how stressful the unknown must have been for them. They packed us and anything they could fit in a car and set out on the eight-hundred-mile path trailing my uncle Willie. I dont remember the ride or the arrival, and as vague as the memories are from that time of my youth, I simply remember having two parents who took care of us, fed us, and made us feel safe. I can imagine that there are single parents who have similar paths and journeys with children and have maintained a sense of family wholeness. But my heart is warmed when I think about the choices my parents made not fully knowing the impact and example they were forging for me and my siblings. To some, they may not be perfect, and by many accounts they may be flawed. But life dealt them a hand, and they didnt sit idle.

My sister is the oldest, then me, with two younger brothers. One was a newborn baby while we traveled here, and the other one came later. I love them all dearly, and youll hear about them in different parts of this book a little later. I dont want to get into statistics, as that is not my motivation, but I get the sense that parenting is one of the greatest gifts you can give to any child. And it doesnt matter if youre rich or poor; just being there to give your best matters. For every choice or cause you make, there is an effect.

My awareness is heightened at this point, knowing that my childhood was so pivotal and that I would be blessed with not one but two persons to give me a start and help me navigate this life, when this same life was challenging them to restart and figure out this new territory. These two people had the courage to bring me into this world and decided to provide and care for me without asking me what I thought or forewarning me of how frightened they might have actually been. Now before I go further, you might start thinking to yourself, why would they? You have to remember as children, we havent developed the capacity to handle many of life's issues, but we are observant, impressionable, and will eventually have an opinion. The unfortunate truth is that many small children bear the burden of lack and know a level of fear that is reserved for maturity that I to my parents credit was sheltered from. As I reminisce Im thankful for two parents and know many have one but I hope and continue to pray that every child can have access to someone with love, patience, and wisdom, to help guide and be an image of perseverance.

When we first arrived in Chicago, we lived with relatives, my uncle and auntie who were my father's brother and sister-in-law. They were established, gracious, and openhearted family who willingly helped my father and mother. There were also other family and great friends who helped give us a terrific start. I have to point out that, amazingly, being with family is probably one of the greatest influences in our cultures, which helps give us a sense of pride and connection, not only in a bloodline but also in rich heritage. Now that I think about it, I better understand the principles of care for others and help and strength through family community, which can dispel and reject the spirit of fear that seeks to, paralyze and offend all of us without warning.

When I was about three years old, I remember waking up in the middle of the night, going to my mom and dad's room, and saying something scratched my toe. My mom half opened her eyes, looked at me, and said, Go get back in the bed. Nothing scratched your toe. I insisted, so she got up and walked me back to the room, said, Get back in the bed, then looked at me and asked what I had been doing before this alleged attack. Like any other three-year-old, I said nothing but twirled my feet in the air. I wondered why the frown appeared since it was only about ten thirty at night. Now, keep in mind this was a different era, and my parents believed in having us in the bed by 8:30 p.m., no playing and no noise. But that night I was still kind of wound up and goofing off. All of a sudden, she said that was the devil and If you dont go to sleep, youre not going to have any toes. I only remember staying still for a few moments and quietly going to sleep.

Why has this memory stuck with me? Is it rudimentary comprehension for instruction and boundaries that, as children, we face and hear in the terms that our young minds can contain? Or simply, at that age, I probably believed my mom was willing to let the devil have my toes if I didnt go to sleep like she said. After that night, I wasnt afraid anymore but had a new awareness of instruction, self-preservation, and careful curiosity. I can only now analyze and describe this event in these terms because it amazes me that as parents, we all look for a way to communicate to our children. That night, I heard my mom clearer than before. It caused me to think before I act (I kept my toes under the cover) and to consider certain possibilities yet do so with healthy caution.