My Friend MO**

The first time I ever met my friend MO was in Daniel's Boxing Gym, in Anchorage, Alaska.  He stands 5' 11" tall, and is 21 years old. He has an infectious smile, a certain swagger with the way he walks, he is shy but confident, charming but a hardened fighter. He is as black as night. I am honored to call him my friend. And he inspires me.

He was born in Ethiopia. He came to the United States when he was 5 years old and went into foster care.  He was moved from place to place, witnessed domestic violence, lived in homeless and battered women shelters all over the country.

He was expelled out of every middle school he ever attended, but moved to a nicer neighborhood and changed his ways during high school.  

His "Auntie" who was responsible for getting him to the United States in the first place, gave him a place to live in Alaska.  When he was 20, his families apartment burned down.  Everybody survived.  Except the Cat- which Mo was very upset about.  One day shortly after the fire, he came into the boxing gym, I asked him if he was okay and told him that I was sorry about his cat.  He got upset, started to cry and to keep his dignity left the gym.

MO is a great boxer. He has no gloves, a large hole in the bottom of his shoes, and wears the community head gear (which I can tell you is very difficult) He is disciplined, comes into the gym everyday, trains very hard, and has won many fights.  He is so tough that I have never seen him wince in pain, complain, or drop his head in shame during sparring, training, or after lost fights.  One day we sparred 10 rounds- he was gentle with me but also gave me some good work- lots of BOYZ can't handle that- but MO can. He motivates others in the gym, and is a good role model for the young men that come in there as well.....And he inspires me.

He is also intelligent.  He is mature.  He listens when you give advice.  He is sensitive. He is going to College on a scholarship.  He likes to cook, reads and writes poetry, is learning to play the piano, goes to Church and Bible Study regularly and loves music.

And he inspires me.  

He says "I am sad, I hate war, I just read two articles in the newspaper about dying soldiers." I told him "It is sad...but war is a part of life.....and we are lucky this war hasn't cost us millions like the others wars did."  

He responded "It doesn't have to be a part of life. I think war is a result of ego and misunderstanding. I am from a war torn country.  It is no good for anyone. I think I am going to change my major to Global Affairs. We got it good here, people take it for granted, sometimes I wish the us kids could switch shoes with kids from other countries just for a week. I know God did not bring me into this world which is filled with education, freedom, and power just to do nothing."

He said "I got class now, I love you. You always listen to my ideals, and dreams no matter how crazy they may seem. Talk to you later, plus your advice rocks."

The other day he asked me for relationship advice.  "In class we were talking about marriage.  Do you think I will make a good husband someday? Like one of those bible marriages? Sorry big sis (which is what he calls me) I keep asking you the questions in life."

I said "Marriage is like a casserole nobody knows what goes into it except the people that make it....it takes work but when you are ready you will make a fabulous husband someday.  Just be the man you look up to and you'll be good."

He said, " Okay good advice, I don't look up to many men though.  Coming up they haven't always been the best role models." So I responded "Well whatever you think a good man is and be that...." (at this time I thanking God that I have my LEGS and my Daddy in my life.)

Despite all that has gone wrong in his life, despite the financial hardships, despite the hard knocks, he is a beautiful, ambitious young man, who is striving every day to make something out of himself.  And he inspires me......

"The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application and perseverance under the prompting of a brave determined spirit." Mark Twain

RUMBLE YOUNG MAN RUMBLE!!!!

Just another day in the life of an unlikely military wife......**