Baskin robbins, roller coasters and gangsters

-

Baskin robbins, roller coasters and gangsters

It was a Tuesday...I was about to drive home after a long day of work. I had just finished up a day spent with youth in my city. I sat with them, talked with them, and listened to their stories about suffering, gang life, and the woes of the inner city. Hearing their personal stories once again rocked me into the harsh reality of their lives. I was blown away. By the end of the day I was emotionally exhausted from listening and my heart was shattered. I felt my emotions begin to well up as I was walking to my car, and after using whatever strength I had left to climb in, I paused and took a deep breath. I buckled my seat belt, and then completely broke. Every time I closed my eyes for a moment all I could see was the innocent faces of those teens. I couldn't help, but hear the silent cry of "SAVE ME," as I peered into their eyes.

The sad truth was their lives were shattered because of the dysfunction of those around them.  They didn't deserve this. They were innocent bystanders of massive train wrecks. And the worst part was that the tragedies that had occurred sent their lives into a downward spiral of pain, hurt and rejection that would forever scar their lives.

I couldn't shake it off. Not that day. I couldn't disconnect! I finally composed myself enough to start my drive home, but as I was driving, street after street, I looked out of my window and saw many of the same youth that I had met with that day. They appeared downcast, heads down, walking slowly as if they were purposefully prolonging arriving home. I knew they lived in poverty stricken, abuse filled, drug addicted, gang infested neighborhoods, but I was headed home to my safe, loving enclosure. I knew they had nobody, and I had many I could count on. I knew they probably wouldn't eat, but I was about to smash on some carne asada and arroz. I knew they wouldn't have a bed to lie in, but I was going to snuggle into my King size bed that night. I knew they didn't have clothes, but I was gonna change 2 more times before sleeping that evening.

All of this made me slam on the brakes and swing back around. I pulled over each time I saw a teen walking home and asked them, "where are you going?" and "what are you going to do?" The response I received each time was, "nowhere and nothing." So I invited them to join me for dinner and spend time with my family. Every single teen agreed to join me. I urged them to call their parents and get permission, but I heard, "they don't care what I do" and "naw, they're not the kind of parents you think" or "they're in the streets." Each attempt to call failed as parents didn't want to be bothered, couldn't be reached, or even cursed them out for calling. Some parents even ignored their calls repeatedly, purposely. I took a chance and still took them with me.

When we arrived my family graciously welcomed them and treated them like special guests. They ate like they were starving and made comments over and over about how clean, spacious and quiet my home was. After dinner, one student sat on my couch and fell into a deep sleep. We all hung out talking, all the while this young man snored a tune aloud for all to hear. The night was getting late so I offered to take them home, but not before making one more stop, BASKIN ROBBINS! When I suggested we stop at BR they unanimously said, "What is that?" I was flabbergasted! I replied, "You're kidding me!? You've never been to BR!?" They again replied unanimously, "No!"

I realized then, these youth were so deprived of even the most simple opportunities,  even enjoying an ice cream from Baskin Robbins.  I bought every teen a single scoop and it made their day! They scarfed down the ice cream and I proceeded to drop them off, one at a time. As we left BR I asked one more key question..."Have you ever been to an amusement park?" "Have you ever ridden on a roller coaster?" Again, they all replied, "No!" I then made a promise, to take each of them to an amusement park so they could enjoy the liberty and joy of being a child! They were happy to accept my promise!

This story is one of millions that I have over the last 15 years of inner city youth work. I hope to use this blog to give voice to the marginalized. I pray this blog opens the eyes to everyone who reads this so that they would see the harsh realities of the children in our cities. Finally, I hope this blog simply brings a smile and happiness to all who read!

Thank you!

Eric Vasquez
Just Us 4 Youth
Executive Director
eric.ju4y@gmail.com
justus4youth.org
ig, snap, fb- @justus4youth

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

-
Can You Love Someone Despite Their Decisions/Choices I think it depends on who you ask. Based on our society and community day with “cancel culture” the answer is “No”. If someone doesn’t agree with you push them away, you spew hate, you do everything but love them. But, where does this lead and take us? It brings us to a more divided and separated group of people.  I believe you can love someone despite their decisions. I mean look at your parents. How many times have you done something and despite that they came and loved you through it? The best example is Daryl Davis. For those who don’t know him, Daryl is an African-American man who friends a grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, Robert White.  Despite their differences, they actually become best friends and Robert stepped down from the Ku Klux Klan. If you haven’t seen the TED Talk I highly recommend watching it.  The hardest part of loving and caring for someone despite their decisions is putting your values onto them. How many tim
Read more

The Power of Example - Teaching Children to Lead

-
Image
The Power of Example - Teaching Children to Lead Children are our future. It’s cliched and maybe even a little cheesy, but it’s also undeniably true. We have to set the youth of today up for success so that they can become the leaders of tomorrow. One of the simplest and most effective ways to teach kids how to become leaders is by setting a good example. Just Us 4 Youth ’s mentoring program is based, in part, on the idea that when children can see adults thrive, they can learn to thrive, too. Here are some ways you can lead by example and help make the future brighter and more confident:  Value Education  Children, at-promise* kids especially, need to see the value of learning.  Talk with your kids or mentees about how you’ve used what you learned in high school and beyond.  Demonstrate the power of continuous learning .  Consider returning to pursue a higher education.  Make time for reading , encourage it in kids, and talk with them about books.  Display Commitment  Kids need to se
Read more

Making A Change For The Better

-
I never expected for my life to turn out like this, my mother has never been there for me. She has never loved me, but her other kids have always been more important than I was to her. I was 3 when she decided to leave my life and leave my dad with a huge responsibility. My father has no family to turn to, he has no one, but he still raised me to the best of his ability, although he comes up short often.  It was hard growing up without a mother. When my father enrolled me in soccer when I was younger I was excited because I was actually good at it. I enjoyed playing it. When I was younger my heart crashed because I would look at other boys bringing their mom and dad but I had no one. My father is an older man and he’s always working. I hate it because he just never had the time for me.  When I was in second grade I was excited because my school gave me a letter saying I was getting an award for mathematics. That day I couldn’t wait to go home and tell my dad. I ran home and sh
Read more