by Ricky Doc Sauceda
1 John 4:20 - Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
I met a young man today who was listening to his stereo full blast. The music was heavy rock and roll, yet he was not grungy in appearance. I saw and understood something about him right away. He was in deep thought.
We talked about his life. He recently graduated from my alma mater, Channelview High School. I shared that I was also a graduate from there. He became a bit trusting then. He talked about how he plans to attend college in the future and earn a degree.
He has a 15-month-old son with his girlfriend whom he met at our common high school. He is working as a produce stocker in a local grocery store and seeks a management position. He is a big young man, about six feet tall, husky and strong. He is also intelligent.
He was uninspired in school to do more than his minimal effort. He didn't have to study much, would take his tests in minutes and walk out to visit friends in other classes or just sleep. He was allowed this freedom because he is likeable.
I told him of a classmate of mine who was just like that. His name was Steve Cafferty. The big difference is that he went on to study at Princeton - an attempt to finish out a path to become a doctor. I have no idea how that turned out. I just know he drank a lot and was a nice guy.
I met his grandmother as well. I told her that she had a fine young man to be proud of. I told him that I liked his plan. I encouraged him to follow through.
As we parted he said,"Thanks, Doc."
(I told him to call me that...since he is a fellow-Falcon)