My Little Girl & I - Michael Jordan's Blog

<div align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today I had the pleasure of going to my 7-year old daughters school to witness her win an award for, Exceptional Achievement in Reading and Language Arts. She did an outstanding job turning her school year around. At winter break she was literally on the verge of being placed on the deans list, which is totally on the opposite end of the ladder. At that time I decided to become very involved in her school life. We sat at the table and started doing our homework together. I visited her class by surprise, on any given day, once a week just to let her know I could walk in at any minute. During this visit her teacher and I would discuss her classroom behavior. She wasn't too happy about all this so I was very surprised when--------<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After receiving her award she ran up and hugged my neck and thanked me for helping her reach this moment. She also asked, "Can we hang my award next to yours in your office." I'm so proud of her! Not only for turning her year around but also for realizing I wasn't trying to just be a mean old dad, I was helping her achieve this moment. She is just bubbling with pride!<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It feels good to be a good dad, especially after being such a horrible dad my entire life. My children range from 27 to 7 and my other kids regretfully had the other "Michael" for a dad. A dope cooking, convict, junkie dad who they hardly knew. Today we are all close and growing closer by the day. My oldest daughter Sarah will be coming to see me in July and we will all get to spend some time together, which includes my boy Dalton (13). It has taken years of hard work and change to have all my kids back in my life. Well, I do have one other daughter but she chooses to not have anything to do with me and I respect that. I can't blame her! <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Negative to positive is what life is all about. I can honestly tell each one of you there is no hole too deep to climb out of. Provided you're willing to put forth the effort to change. At 44 I walked out of the Prison Gates with $200.00 and a lifetime of amends to make up.&nbsp; One day at a time, one amend at a time, one crisis at a time, and one choice at a time, I have changed into a good man. Those who have known me for years are amazed at who I am today. Those who are recent friends (the last 6-1/2 years) can't imagine me any other way than the way I am now. That my dear friends is a wonderful thing! Believe in who you are and find strength from any source you can (Provided its true strength). The building process takes time, don't give up on yourself. Most of all be honest with yourself. This takes guts! Its not easy! As they say, "The great things in life never are." In the end what once rolled in the gutter will shine with the stars. If you need proof of that, just look into my children's eyes. YF4L, God Bless, mj<br></div>

Hgarvey Daniel Esquire Date: 5/30/2010 9:55:00 PM Dear Mike, "Its not easy! As they say, "The great things in life never are." In the endwhat once rolled in the gutter will shine with the stars. If you need proof of that, just look into my children's eyes. " If you are blessed enough to have children's eyes to look into. I think our lives parallize each other from a different starting point. I started drugging after I lost Lenore. My first published POEM was also written in prison, but I had no reason to "change into a Good man. I can see the pride in You for YOUR daughter's Achievments and that is what a Father should be as You are. LOVE YOUR Mustache, ALWAYS YOUR Liege...HG Login to Reply

Poet Destroyer A Date: 5/30/2010 4:58:00 AM A very wonderful day you had, congratulations to both of you. You have alovely daughter Mr. Jordan. Nice to see the kind man who always returns my comments. And made it threw this life with the hopes to help others. Have yourself a wonderful and enjoyable Memorial Day,..p.d. Login to Reply

Vince Suzadail Jr. Date: 5/28/2010 9:31:00 AM Hi Michael, my utmost respect and admiration. You are an insiring poet and deserve those precious moments. Enjoy the success you've earned. God Bless. Vince Login to Reply

Katherine Stella Date: 5/28/2010 6:52:00 AM God sent you a little angel to turn you around mike and it worked my little jenny been goign thru some stuff too but with her emotions I thing just keep turning to god my friend and you shall rise and arn't kids the greatest think your one kid will see a different light soon with you too great blog and give your daughter a high 5 from me and Jenny Login to Reply

Sharon Winter Date: 5/28/2010 6:52:00 AM you are a constant inspiration and I am always left in awe after I read anything you have written. a beautiful blog. love and blessings to you always and to your beautiful family. yf4l, shar xo Login to Reply

James Peranteau Date: 5/28/2010 4:37:00 AM Michael...in a childs eyes...every thing enters...truth and the sight of delicious fruit ! Move the fruit a foot away from where you have first placed it and you have created their first stuggle. Allow them to see you peel the fruit and place it in their hungry mouth...they now develope the powerful feeling of love and trust ! God bless our childrens faith! james Login to Reply

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 5/27/2010 11:28:00 PM Your amends have been made and I'm glad the second "Michael" is raising your precious little girl, MJ. Very moving blog! Love, carolyn Login to Reply

Dr.Ram Mehta Date: 5/27/2010 5:41:00 PM It is quite an inspirational write and I am amazed how how you journeyed from negative to positive. Login to Reply

Constance La France Date: 5/27/2010 5:21:00 PM I did not know the other man, I only feel the writings of you, Michael. A man who love's his family, his friends, his life. Who is doing his best to improved himself. A man who writes his poems with passion and honesty. I believe there is a reason for everything,be proud, Michael, for all you have achieved.... Login to Reply

Date: 5/27/2010 4:38:00 PM God bless you too Michael! You touch the lives of others with your inspirational outlook. We are richer for the experience. Karen Login to Reply

Debbie Guzzi Date: 5/27/2010 2:56:00 PM Yes there's always today to make things right. I've missed your comments! Light & Love Login to Reply

Barbara Gorelick Date: 5/27/2010 2:45:00 PM This brought tears to my eyes Michael..Bless your heart..You have a message and it comes through in your poetry. Im so glad to have you back for the summer. BG Login to Reply

Carrie Richards Date: 5/27/2010 2:29:00 PM A wonderful story, Michael, how proud you must be of your daughter, and how proud you should be for turning your life around, and knowing the importance of "being there" for your child. Nothing can be more important than that. We were just over in Chico, for our little grandson's last week of school...he is shy, was in his first school play...he was sooo nervous about his role...(Playing Albert Einstein!!).. but we were there to cheer him on!! Afterwards ...he was beaming...he did just great...each moment of "being there"...means the world to them!! :) Login to Reply

Linda-Marie Sweetheart Date: 5/27/2010 1:21:00 PM A wonderful story Michael .. be very proud of your children whether they want to be a part of your life or choose not to.. a great achievement for your daughter and I am sure it put a smile on your face.. children come around in time... my four sons have always been close to me and I am so grateful to God for them... my youngest now serving in Iraq as my Memorial Day blog posted below yours indicates... have a blessed holiday weekend... with luv from the "Sweetheart" Login to Reply