Prayer for Michael

Dear readers,

Recently, a good friend of mine has found himself in the grasp of a deep coma. Though only fourteen, he suffered a heart attack in the middle of nowhere only to be found later face down without a pulse. As a result of oxygen deprivation, he is currently in a comatose state. Today, I payed Michael a visit in his not-so-cozy room in the ICU. Though it seems that he is making improvement each day, Michael still has a long road to recovery ahead of him, granted he wakes up from this coma. Although none of you may know him, all I ask is that you pray for my close friend's recovery. Michael is still only fourteen years old, and is far from finishing his life here on earth. I cannot help but to feel helpless given the circumstances, but in times like this, all we can do is pray and let fate handle the rest. God Bless.

                                                                                                                        -Derek Santos

Greed

Of all of life's lessons, there is just one that I feel will always stick with me; rely on no one, for everyone leaves in the end. I know how it feels to be deserted. I know how it feels to be put on a shelf to collect dust like a cheap Christmas card from an indifferent relative. Truth be told, man is a selfish race. Over the years of being used just to be cast aside, it has become apparant to me that even those seeming most altruistic are meerley skilled at hiding their egotistical tendancies. Every selfless action has a selfish motive. In both charity and malevolence, the same incentives are at work. It is vital to trust no one, and when in doubt, remember: everyone is the same. Everyone is driven by the same greed and everyone possesses the same lust for self-fullfilment. Never forget that greed is the most powerful force in existence, and its strength cannot be measured by any means other than the strength of the will in a selfish man's heart

"I feel no sorrow for myself, for I have already mourned my own death."

- Derek Santos

Depression

Fear resides within me. Forever present within me is the dreaded sinking sensation in the pit of one's stomach, too often triggered by the generation of tension in everyday situations.  Trembling is to me just as natural as breathing. My mind itself suffers constant convulsions; waves of pain flow throughout my body as my  brain writhes in torment. Mental? No. This phenomenon is far to intense to be of emotional magnitude. Physical? Doubtful. All physical affliction can be traced back to a tangible origin. Spiritual? Perhaps. It does so feel as though my existence is being painstakingly drained by an unknown entity; no, quite the contrary; a familiar friend. This particular acquaintance was not introduced to me during the wasteful hours of playing in the sands of my childhood. Neither has this neighbor become known as a result of my past experiences at school. Rather, this parasitic companion of mine has always been a part of me. From birth to my highly anticipated death, this consort has always been there for me; when no one else was. Her name is depression. She is never lonely, depression always has me by her side. Though painful and deadly, depression is not contagious. She cannot spread from person to person, for once she finds you, she never leaves. Even when days are bright and the sky is clear, always remember; she has not forgotten you. Depression never forgets. So incontractable yet fatal, she is a silent killer, yes, for depression is cancer of the soul.

You never know where a road may lead until you walk its course with open eyes.