Through tears Major recalls, “My Paw Paw was everything to me. His passing changed my life. I lost my purpose.” Surviving loss, jail, and homelessness, Major shares his story of transformation for the first time.
Fifteen years ago, in his home state of Mississippi, Major did not have a handle on his anger and rage issues. He was living with his sister and grandfather, he lovingly calls Paw Paw; the only father he has known. Witnessing someone verbally abusing Paw Paw one day, Major lost his temper, attacked the abuser, and wound up in jail.
That brought on depression and he turned to marijuana to cope. Subsequently he lost his job. Not wanting his anger to be a problem at home again, he chose to live in a tent in the woods for a couple of years. One day he decided he was ready to quit smoking weed and go home. Like the prodigal son, Major was welcomed home with open arms by his Paw Paw with no questions asked.
Back to work, things were going well. One day nearly nine years ago, he received a phone call that changed his life. He was told he was going to be a daddy! That excitement was quickly overcome by another phone call. His Paw Paw had passed away.
The next nine months he adjusted to this loss and then welcomed his baby boy, Emmett Lee. “I seen my baby boy in my hands. My life was filled back up!” Major and his son became inseparable.
A short four months later, Emmett’s mom left with their son. Once again, Major experienced loss. About four years later he moved to Michigan. Without a place to live, Major sought shelter at Good Samaritan. Grateful for a roof over his head, he began to help in the kitchen. “It puts a smile on my face seeing everybody being served and knowing I’m making a difference,” says Major.
Major still helps in the kitchen and is now taking classes in the S.A.V.E. program too. Recently after chapel one day Major experienced another life changing event when he gave his life to the Lord, “I gave up everything and gave it to Him. I’m happy every day and always smiling now. ”
Major is looking forward to his upcoming vocational training that will help him to be prepared for a career in the restaurant business. Major’s advice, “Never forget God always will be there for you. God bless everybody!”