From The Heart of the Author
 By Curtis Michael

     I am poet/writer Curtis Michael, author of the book "Ebony Pearls of Wisdom.". While 
I use my given name Curtis Michael Girty in my daily life, Curtis Michael is the name I use to 
establish my writing and publishing business. 
    I am the youngest of five sons born to Charles and Daisy Girty. My mother died when I was three 
years old, and my father remarried when I was seven. My stepmother had a granddaughter
 she brought to our home. She also had a son and daughter who were young adults and didn't live
 with us. Unfortunately , we never became a blended family. 
    I was unable to accept my family situation, as well as some other issues, and became involved 
with drugs as an escape at the age of 12. Through nothing but God's grace, I survived an eighteen -year 
addiction. I am now 50 , and still remain substance free. It is my hope that through my life experiences, 
perceptions, and writings I can help others stay on the right track. Hopefully, I can also bless the 
community with the knowledge I've gained through this experience. 
    When I was inspired to write my first poem, I thought about America¹s children. It is my opinion 
that as parents we need to prepare ourselves for the job of parenting. Our main focus should be on 
our children. Ignorance is no excuse for poor parenting skills. We seek education to better ourselves 
professionally to maximize our career potential. I strongly believe we should also seek education to become
 excellent parents. This doesn't mean there aren't good family structures in the world. However, 
we must do some positive things to address our dysfunctional families. It's a sad situation when
 a father is not in the home; however it's become acceptable for females to rear children alone.
 Has it been so long since fathers were at home that we've forgotten the benefit of having them there? 
Someone once said, "If you're not a part of the solution, then you're a part of the problem."
     It appears that the problems with our youth have become so overwhelming we've turned our back on them.
 In some cases, parents blame the school system. They seem to think it is the school's responsibility to 
discipline and direct our children. Everyone should recognize that the schools didn't produce the children. 
We know discipline, direction and respect must be taught at home. If that were done, it would greatly simplify the job of educators. 
    I challenge you to make a personal commitment, to become part of the solution. I'm not asking you to take 
on all the world's problems. But can you devote time to being more attentive to our children's needs?
     I can witness that by putting Christ first in your life, all things are possible. After becoming addicted
 to drugs at such a young age, I had to learn how to live at age 30. My last 20 years have not been
 super duper just because I stopped using drugs. However, facing life¹s obstacles sober is a lot more
 rewarding than trying to hide from them in a bag of dope or a bottle of alcohol.
     I'll close this with a quote that was on the kitchen wall of SHAR House, the therapeutic community I graduated from: "YOU MUST ACCEPT IN ORDER TO CHANGE."