My name is Joseph Smith I am a seventeen year old-African American- young man- I just graduated high school and was hired at the Mill. I Still live at home with my Mother, Father and three siblings but feel it is time to move out on my own and take responsibility of my life- as a man should; my older brother has made different plans for me though. "I can't believe my own brother would deceive me so easily; for fear of his own destiny." Finding myself in the Vietnam War- fighting to stay alive; pushing emotional feelings deep inside, living in the marsh of death and fear, having to step-up and be a man- then deciding to forgive. I have painfully survived my years into manhood - but was headed down the wrong path when an unexpected tragedy shakes me to the core of my soul. I find old letters from my Mother that guide me and assure me that things will work out fine regardless of the pain I find myself in, yet again.