Martin T

Forty years ago at the age of six I had spent a great deal of time in a box in the closet and endured many years of abuse at home. I came to my first grade class sucking my thumb and staying behind when the class would go out to play. I was filthy and neglected. At one point I was kept out of school for an extended period of time while in Martin's class with diapers wrapped around my face. When I was 30, I learned my face had been crushed even though I had no memory other than the fact my mom would tell my teacher I had some disease no one knew about and I remembered it wasn't true.

My teacher, Martin, called daily and even came to my house and my mother refused to let him in. Forty years ago family business was family business, not like today. My teacher was reported to the principal and weathered a great deal to continue to pursue my well-being.

Even though I had to grow up in this environment, I believe in my heart, my teacher gave me hope and helped carry me into adulthood a whole, happy, loving human being. He helped me to see there were good loving people who did not want anything from you. I model myself after him today.

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Your Comments
Aziz from Uzbekistan APRIL 21, 2014
Written not by the hand, but by the Heart
Emilia B from Broussard, LA, USA NOVEMBER 3, 2009
Thank you for this website and all the great soul food it provides. I found this essay especially full of wisdom and I feel love for this kindred spirit.
Nene F. from DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA JUNE 13, 2008
This is an eye opening essay. I'm moved by everything that is written in here.
Nick from Hong Kong DECEMBER 28, 2007
What you have written is truly amazing. If only everyone could follow them. Thank you.
siddhi shah from India DECEMBER 7, 2007
it certainly touches the soul. But i've seen more inspring and utmost selfless people with true grit and strength that has touched me and will always remain inspirational to me....
Aditya S. from Hyderabad, India SEPTEMBER 23, 2007
I now come to a point of realization that whenever you feel alone; in moments of despair and when you feel insignificant; there is something to look to...your own character. Keep building on it.
C. Fortune from Cape Town, South Africa SEPTEMBER 5, 2007
Wow! What an Inspirational piece of writing. It truly opened my eyes to how much character means, and how important it is--for it determines my destiny!
Hasa from Hyd, India AUGUST 24, 2007
This tells us what is strength of character.
Matthew R. from Manila, Philippines AUGUST 2, 2007
Thank you--this brings me to life again after all my doubts and imbibitions. I can say..ah, its nice to be back!
Ray E. from Phils. JULY 10, 2007
...this essay really opened my eyes to what is really important in life,caring for others, understanding their needs & not being selfish. This world would be a better place to live in if we just follow what the writer has written on this article. Very enlightening!
Anthonia N. from Abuja, Nigeria JUNE 6, 2007
I absolutely agree with most of the sentiments expressed by this writer. It is important for us as individuals, apart from striving to be the best we can be, to also encourage others to be their best so that the world can be a better place for us and for the future generations. It may seem like one's effort might be little but just do what you can and it would go a long way as each person does their bit. Thanks for such an impactful message.
Ariana T. from Newark, NJ MAY 31, 2007
WOW.I'm only a middle school student but reading these works...They just really make you think about life and that we should be grateful for all that we have and don't have. I can't wait to share this with my class in school!
Aarti from India MAY 30, 2007
really your work is really very inspiring for introspection..your words have the strength to lift up a person when he or she is down.
Amanda K. from UK APRIL 1, 2007
Ah, I believe I am at that stage in life you were in, selfish and materialistic. I can only hope and pray that as I grow, I can shake this. To become a better person and achieve things for the betterment of the world as a whole, those are aspirations I must admit I've flirted with. Thank you for writing such a wonderful essay of sorts. It has struck a nerve.
kelvin c. from Lusaka, Zambia. MARCH 27, 2007
with my deepest yearning for knowledge, especially in the aspect of character,this passage has done just what I've been looking for. The content is straight to the point and it calls for one to look on the inside of him/her. Thanks for this.

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