Before I Became Me

After the fourth puff, my head would begin to spin. At that time in my life, puffing a cigar was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I enjoyed it so much I tried to smoke every day.As I reflect, that was the time I started on the wrong path in life. A year before, I started skipping school. I liked the control I had when I didn't go to school. Looking into my life, the first time I got high began a downward spiral. When I skipped school after that, smoking created a path toward girls, lying, robbing, and stealing. Then my drug use began in that order. I stayed on that path for nearly twenty-three years. Though it was exciting at times, it was also dangerous. I can remember times I almost died. I'm so grateful to be alive with most of the senses God gave me.

-- Samuel E. Underwood