My Mama said . . . .

.
I guess I wasn't much older than 8.  Perhaps just in the second grade grade or so, when I was sent to the Principal's office along with another classmate for fighting on the playground.  There we waited for our parents' arrival.

As I recall, the fight began when I got the better of the other kid while playing Tether Ball.  Seems I was able to control several games by swatting the ball downward causing it to fly high above his head for the wins.  The other kids were laughing all the while until. . .  he attacked me.  But, again, I got the better of him.

On the ride home, Mama said something like, "Now son.  Never start a fight (which I didn't), but always be ready to finish one (which I did).

Not long after, I challenged my Mama about why I was never allowed to stay up late or do the things "all my other friends got to do."  And my Mama told me that no one should be allowed to do everything they want.  And Mama said, "As our Lord found out through Adam and Eve, we will the wrong decision."

Mama's lessons learned that have molded me to be me through this very day.
.