The Times of Clive Levy

As I tell you this story I am crying not tears of defeat but tears of joy. I will tell you why later. My story begin in Florida where I was born. Clive as the first child of Ella and Phillip Levi. And my family was normal and stable as long as Momma was around. She had a few more children and I had to help around the house. But I was glad to do anything for my Momma. She loved me. She really really loved me. And she was pretty and she was kind and smart. And she wanted me to be something. Momma was the best gift I got from God I thought as a child. And the family grew and was stable. Then suddenly out of nowhere Momma passed away leaving a husband and four children. My father made me quit school and work to make ends met. My father was a harsh man and very stubborn. And as I grew older he became more and more strict. One time I beg to go out and spend time with some friends and my father threatened to beat me. And I beg my father many times and reminded him of what it was like to be young and adventurous but my father did not listen. So I held in my desire to explore the world and I kept to myself. Then the war broke out, World War 2 my father and I signed up for the military. My father tried to take my paycheck too but they would not let him. I had freedom. The military was much freer than being at home with my father. And I had friends and met other women. I went to the bar and I was likable. I did not want to leave. But eventually the war ended and we went home. My father tried to empty my accounts and put me back under his rule. I believe my father hated me. He would never tell me that he loved me especially after Momma died. He became mean and surly. He was always angry and mad. He treated us like property than children. And he outright did what he wanted but left me to take care of my brothers. I started to go to church and make friends. I met some cousins. And I told them what my father was doing. And they saw that he was mean and surly and how he treated me like a slave. I was older now, a soldier and a man and I was not gonna take it anymore. Cousin Ralph and I was leaving. So we plotted our escape at church and everybody went to church both night and day, well we met there one night and fled. My father was onto us the next day. Ralph and I escaped with jobs in the local churches and on farms because back then you can find a job on the farm or church and they will pay you and feed you and clothe you and give you a place to stay with some money. And we stall my father for weeks and enjoyed freedom. Then my father had the police looking for me. So I realized that Ralph and I had to escaped as far as possible up North for freedom. I knew my father would leave me alone if I go up there. And my father caught up to us. I tried to avoid fighting my father because the Word says Honor your father and mother. I just told my father before we catch the train. Leave me alone Father. And he said No I won't you will serve me till you die boy. And I said You're suppose to love me and you don;t. You hate me ever since Mom died. And I am not your property. Now I am leaving and you will never see me again. And Ralph and I jumped on a random train. And my father threw a fit in the field and left angry because his shotgun was unloaded and the train left before he could loaded it. I was freed. No more slavery. I was a man. Ralph made fun of what my father said and I laughed freely and without restraint or worries. I prayed and thanked God and I worn the cross that the church gave me. And I thought Ralph what if he tries to come for me to kill or threatened me. Ralph said Change your last name, he's Levi you can change yours to Levy. And I said Yeah my father is not the smartest man. And I won't go by my middle name either. On our way up North I met this beautiful woman Victoria. Oh man she had to be taken as lovely as she is. Ralph was my wing man but I remember she told me what church she went to. And then I saw her at the Jazz Club and I read a love poem to her. And next thing you know it we were married. And my father was dead then. Victoria had family issue but not like mines. She had been married but she was available and single. And she loved playing the piano. Her parents had issues too but she had a better family than mines and they were really welcoming. She was alone up North and we started our family together without anyone else except ourselves. You see Matt that's how your grandfather lived, that's how I became the man that I am today. You can too be somebody I know it. Keep up the grades and do what's right and God will bless you too.