Judging a Book: The Life of a Thug

Ever heard the phrase "Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover?" Yeah, people don't seem to listen, do they? I've led a troubled life...From an abusive home in the slums of Atlanta. To being one of most well-known Drug Dealers in the history of Georgia. Not being able to hold down a steady job for more than 3 months. Almost getting laid out in an alley. Losing my girlfriend in a drive by....Did I mention that my mother was murdered? After that my life spun out of control, that woman was the only thing keeping me sane. I loved her more than anything. How'd she die? My bastard of a father killed her. I have no respect for that son of a bitch. He lost the right to call me his son after that.

When people look at me, all they see is trouble. A thug, a hoodlum, a drug dealer...trouble. I wouldn't blame you if you thought the same thing. Who am I? Shit, half the time I don't even know. I don't even see the same person when I look in the mirror...I'm just a tortured soul looking for love and acceptance.

My name? Crippen. Craig Crippen Jr., to be exact. The only person who seems to love me unconditionally is my 4 year old daughter, Charlene. That girl is my life. Hell, if it wasn't for her, I probably would've killed myself...

I have a younger sister, Jada. I know what you're thinking: Well, where the hell is she? My mother was able to send her with my family in Cali. She was about to pack us up so we could leave...that's why my father killed her. That nigga did everything in his power to make sure I didn't leave. HE died recently, I'm glad about it, too. The bitch had cancer. Then, he wanted be all nice and try to act like like a damn daddy. He thought I was gonna take care of him. Bitch, please. I'll be damned if I help the nigga that took my mother from me. That asshole deserved what he got. Karma got that ass real good.

But, since I have no family out here, and no reason to stay, we have to move back to California, to be closer to my other relatives.

I think I'm gonna drop this drug shit, especially since I'm moving. Plus, I'm just not up to it anymore and I can't be putting my daughter or anyone else in jeopardy. I guess I'll try this the legitimate way. I'm not trying to end up in NOBODY'S jail cell...again.