Happy Veteran’s Day to all our Veterans. Thank you for your service and your commitment. You all are definitely Don’t Forget Abouts…people.

There are a number of veterans in my family and some are still on active duty. My father, my wife, a number of cousins and numerous friends are all veterans. I want to acknowledge them and the countless others who have sacrificed to serve this country.

I wish there was something spectacular that I could do to make this an unforgettable tribute to Veteran’s all over, but, I’ll simply do what I do when I see you all in uniform. I say thank you.

And whether your service is acknowledged worldwide or not at all, without your contribution it would have been like a piece missing from a puzzle.

May God bless you today and always.

And again, Thank you.

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I was told about this tragedy this morning and asked to do something with it because of my passion for change. And in accordance with what this site is all about, I’m sure that Derrion Albert is a Don’t Forget Abouts person in some people’s lives.

I obviously don’t know the whole story, the truth, the reason, not very much at all. But what difference does any of that make. A young man is dead. And tragedy, violence, revenge and mourning are resonating in that neighborhood, in the city of Chicago and it will continue to spread.

This story really hits home because I used to be around those same streets. Have seen and been a part of the negativity and violence that continues to increase in our children’s lives. But today I do my best to be a positive influence on any young man or woman I meet.

I have to continue to have hope for change. I have to continue to live it and be assertive in guiding our youth. There are others in this video who died a different type of death. Death of their innocence and spirit, death of their hope for tomorrow, death of their trust, death of their belief in God.

This is the type of situation that can drastically change a child’s outlook on life. There will probably be a big uproar on change and stop the violence, etc., etc. and there should be! But I have to be constant and persistent daily to truly be an active participant in change.

On the radio this morning they were asking people’s perspective on the statement,”If a man is asked to give, it is already too late”. I am at my best when I am aware of what others need and offer my help, rather than wait to be asked. I am fortunate enough to have a father who not only taught me these things but demonstrates them in his own life.

Nothing that’s done will change what has happened. But everything that’s done will change what can happen! I hope that putting this on here will help change someone’s life. It has changed mine. I hope it adds some motivation to being an active parent, mentor or whatever role we assume in others’ lives. Especially our children.

I didn’t personally know this young man, but he represents a widespread group of young men. I pray for his family and friends. I pray that somehow his life and death spark the importance of active change in our communities. This happened outside a community center active in helping students looking to do better with their lives.

I also pray for the family and friends of the young men labeled gang-bangers. They are kids in need of help also. I don’t know the specifics of what would help, but I know when I judge people and categorize them, I rule them out for change.

All in all, let this young brother Derrion Albert be an unforgettable force in the daily duties required to bring about some real change in our communities. I know it starts with me!

Thank you for reading and sharing in this with me. Peace.

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Eddie Fuller

This is really hard to do. My cousin Eddie passed away on September 17, 2009. He was only five years older than me. He died of a very rare stomach cancer, I believe my father said two out of a million people get this type of cancer.

I’m rarely at a loss for words, but I’m struggling to share this here. It’s been years since Eddie and I were close. He used to babysit my brother and me. Take us over his girlfriend’s house and we had to sit in the car. And we always threatened to tell on him.

I remember when he got his license and started driving; when he got a motorcycle and when he went to the Air Force. Actually that was one of the hardest times in my life because Eddie was gone. He wrote a couple of times and sent some pictures of his Beamer. But we missed seeing him just about every weekend.

I never realized how much of a role model he was for me. But now I’m realizing why I considered going to the Air Force and why getting a motorcycle has always been such a big deal. And I just got my motorcycle license for the first time.

Eddie had this walk where he kind of swung side to side while swinging his left arm behind him. I wish I could describe it better. Anybody who knew him knows exactly what I’m talking about. Unforgettable!

Eddie is definitely one those Don’t Forget Abouts…people in my life. Thoughts of Eddie bring nothing but smiles. We had this song we made up and only three people knew the lyrics. Eddie, my brother and myself. The last time I saw him, as soon as we saw each other we started singing that song and laughing.

Great memories! A great guy! Eddie was a father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Please keep our family in your prayers and cherish the times you have with your loved ones.

I wasn’t able to make it to his funeral but I know my family is grieving. And I’ve been avoiding calling because I don’t know what to say. It’s also an attempt to stay in denial but it’s not working.

There are great people that the masses don’t get to meet. Although brief, you got to meet my cousin Eddie Fuller here and I’m grateful that I had this opportunity. He is missed by all who knew him, but his life will continue to put smiles on our faces and bring joy to our hearts. Thank you Eddie.

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