Then...
Daniel was born on the 15th of March 1985 at the University Hospital in Nottingham, England. Daniel's life has been turbulent to say the least. Born and 'raised' in Nottingham, Daniel first lived in the Meadows area with his Father (Fawzi Elsayid Abo) his Mother (Susan Abo) and his brother (Richard Cornish). Daniel's Father left the family whilst Daniel was very young. Since then Daniel has lived in many different areas within Nottingham.
At age 4/5 Daniel attended the William Booth Infant School where he met Miss Dawson. Miss Dawson has been a major influence on Daniel's life even the though time spent at the School was brief. Miss Dawson encouraged Daniel to use his intelligence and natural artistic abilities to realise his full potential. Daniel remembers her reading to him; one particular book stands out, The Whale's Song by Dyan Sheldon.
As far back as he can remember, his mother, as always been an addict of some sort. Daniel led a very confused childhood with his Mother repeatedly with different men. When Daniel's mother hit, what he thought to be rock bottom, she took Daniel to the streets where she satisfied her alcohol problem. Daniel distinctly remembers sleeping in what was called "The Shed" just outside Nottingham Train Station. It was an abandoned property filled with all kinds of paraphernalia to do with drug taking and drug abuse. Homeless people from all over Nottingham would stay there. During Daniel's time there he witnessed his first death. A twenty-something man injected heroin into his foot and within minutes the man’s lips had turned blue. Daniel looked on in awe wondering why the man's lips were turning blue. Moments later froth began erupting from the man's mouth until his eyes glazed over and a final jolt was released from his body. Daniel did not know what was happening at the time. Daniel questioned the people around him who didn't seem to notice what was happening to this man. It was at this point that an Ambulance was called. By the time the Ambulance crew got there the man was dead.
Throughout his life, Daniel, has witnessed his Mother being beaten by many different men. The most violent of which was his step-father Craig Cairnduff. At 9 years of age Daniel lived in a refuge with his Mother and his Brother (Richard) he remembers this time because it was the first time he actually felt safe (and received what he remembers to be his first Birthday present, a Monopoly board). His Mother decided to give Craig another chance and Daniel, Craig, Richard and her moved to Lenton Abbey. Daniel's mother and Craig continued with their alcoholism until Craig decided that his only way out was to commit suicide. On December 4th 1996 Craig Cairnduff died. Craig committed suicide by pouring petrol on himself and setting himself alight. Daniel, at this point, was attending Alderman White Lower School. Daniel took time off school to grieve over the loss of his Step-Father. Craig may have been a woman abuser, alcoholic, and a Glasgow Celtic supporter, but Craig treated Daniel like he was his own and Daniel loves him for that.
Daniel's Mother blamed herself for the loss of Craig and continued on her downward spiral. Daniel's brother, being 8 years older than Daniel, was old enough to understand what was happening and left home. (Daniel's brother made himself a new home and has 3 beautiful daughters.) Daniel's Mother turned to harder drugs to help her 'cope'. Aged 17 and just starting a National Diploma course at People's college, Daniel woke up to the fact that his 'Mother' is a crack addict. He also realised that the 'phone calls' she was receiving were from punters. Daniel's Mother is a prostitute. Daniel may seem to have handled his childhood very well, and is wiser because of it, but inside Daniel may still be the lost boy he always was.
Peace and Love.
Daniel was born on the 15th of March 1985 at the University Hospital in Nottingham, England. Daniel's life has been turbulent to say the least. Born and 'raised
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You may not realize it, and maybe I shouldn't point this out, but you reached out and let us all a little closer by sharing this. Many hugs, my dear!!
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This is fairly short as I am sure there are many incidents that were very tragic and not suitable for this kind of a write on a poetry site. Thought this might be written in poetic form at first, but was not disapppointed after reading this prose. Think one has to be proud that they have accomplished so much. One makes choices that take them to the top of the hill or the bottom of the hole, and it looks as if you are making the right choices. Good luck. May your writing take you places -
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DanASBO~
Wow... This was... Really I don't know what to say. I couldn't imagine a life like that, and I couldn't imagine anyone in a life like that. Although it happens. Atleast it made him a better person, I mean some people could have used it for doing nothing with themselves and saying well I cant because this was my childhood. Keep on writing, and dont forget to keep on keeping on.
~!~Manda~!~
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I just want you to know I read this. I am working my way through the list you asked me to read and this is the first item.
This is a brave post, and manages to not be self-indulgent - I admire that.
It's hard to know what to say without sounding cliched or motherly or fake, so, I as expect you wouldn't appreciate any of those things, I would just like you to know I was here, and what I read here won't affect the way I comment on your work - except perhaps it will explain parts of it I would not have otherwise understood.
LB
x
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Humm...trying to find an appropriate comment for this is tricky. From what little I know of you, I'd say you're not the type to care much for sympathy. So, I offer you my respect. The respect of a fellow writer and human being. We're all products of our environment, and difficulty usually breeds wisdom and insight, which you've already displayed to me. After reading this, I am rather impressed. Yes, I peeked at a couple of your other things, I'll save those comments for when I'm in more of a 'critiquing' mood.
Take care.
-B'Jot -
Haha, woot for jazz hands! <3
And thank you for the other happy clappys! -
"Reach for the stars" What an absolute truth. I would give you another happy clappy but I've ran out of points
Have a hug instead.
He's not quite as emotive but he still has his Jazz Hands! -
I hate to sound cliched and like I'm just talking out of my butt here...but you're stronger because you've been able to work through your past. How you've handled your past up to this point makes you who you are, and where you go from here determines who you will continue growing into.
Life is a never-ending journey. To find, we must first seek. If you are looking for help, then you must first be willing to help yourself. We are none of us perfect. But what we make from the situations we've come from get us closer to perfection.
Remember, you are who you let yourself be. If you settle for average, you will be average.
Reach for the stars, Dan.
Ashleigh <3 -
Daniel I realized I hadn't read this yet and felt I had to read it. You have had a very challenging and painful life. I give you much props and respect for what you have gone through and where you have ended up. I too try everyday not to become my mother. Although I had a mother who was into drugs, abusive men, and alcohol she also had a very tender heart which in part was the reason she was the way she was. She was weak and didn't know how to cope and deal with the fact that she had so many horrid things in her mind to deal with on a constant. Please don't give up Daniel. There are so many young people out there who need to see someone with strength. You have done very well for yourself and you should be proud! Hold your head up high for the strong and intelligent Daniel!
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TWO THUMBS UP!!!!
wow! This story was so great. I am awe struck with the greatness of this piece. I like how it was honest and took place with some of the cruelest happenings of life, but still ened with a little hope and faith. Even if just the slightest bit. This poor boy, I am saddened by how many kids have to be "raised" through this. Some grow up and make wonderful lives for themselves... I am even more heart broken for the ones who do not. It is sad that some kids just cant escape this and the future does not come painted with beauty for them, it will only be of more hardships, drug addictions for themselves, falling into the same tortured lifestyle that their parents put them through...and sometimes it ends in death. I cry for these poor kids, and even the parents who cant seem to stop the process of Hell that they are living. Wonderful piece here, for it has provoked many thoughts and emotions. I will definetly check back in on this piece and many more from you.
Amy -
Wow, thats is so honest. Thankyou so much for sharing that with us Daniel.
The feelings of that little boy are so clear and very scarily straight forward.
I wish you luck in being able to see you past as a blessing, even though it may not seem it now.
Good luck. -
This gave me a shiver down my spine. It is incredibly written. Honest and straight forward, yet that little boy comes through so strongly, as Mairi said, it's a priviledge to know you
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Dear poet,where do I begin?A write which sears into the reader,this has all the raw reality that was experienced and endured laid bare so that it is felt.What shines through is the authors attitude in being able to rationalize events,seeking to compartmentalize and learn from them for as Nietzche said "that which does not destroy us ultimately makes us stronger"I have adopted the same reliance re my own history.I was victimized many times since childhood to adulthood but I am a survivor as I choose to be.My experiences enable me to enable others.Your write is inspirational as it reveals that you are a survivor by choice and that it isn't easy but it is possible.The book you refered to the wonderful teacher giving you "the whales song" by Dyan Sheldon was an amazing coincidence to me,only recently a friend sent me a copy of that book for reasons I may explain another time.I wish you every success with your writing and with the rest of your journey through life.
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i started to read this but i cant finish sp i will be back to finishn comment soon
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You got here, by going through where you've been. Trite, I know, but true. It is a privilege to know you here in AP, Daniel.
Mb.
Edited on May 27, 4:07 because ''.
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