Kraken-Skulls

I want to share a part of my life that very few people know. Not because I’m ashamed of it anymore, but because maybe someone out there needs to hear it.

When I was getting ready to start my freshman year at Bloomington High School in Bloomington, California, life looked a lot different than it does today. I had already been through the foster care system before my grandmother took me in. We didn’t have much. In fact, we barely had enough.

I had one outfit and one pair of shoes.

Instead of hanging out with friends, I’d spend my days pushing a shopping cart or carrying a trash bag through the streets, digging through dumpsters, collecting aluminum cans. I’d stomp them flat so I could fit more into the cart or bag, then haul them to the recycling center. I’d save every dollar I could, hoping to scrape together enough money to buy a couple of outfits from Goodwill so I wouldn’t stand out as the poor kid at school.

One day, I woke up at 5am and ditched school because I was determined to raise some money so I could buy school clothes, I honestly didn’t have any clothes, while I was pushing that shopping cart down Valley Blvd, fate had other plans.

The school bus was running its normal route, (I wasn’t thinking….. I was on a mission) well the damn bus stopped at a red light right next to me.

Someone on the bus recognized me. 🤦‍♂️

Within seconds, every kid on that bus had their head hanging out the window, pointing, laughing, and making fun of the kid pushing a shopping cart full of cans.

By the next day, the rumors had spread through the entire school.

I walked into Bloomington High wearing my newly purchased Goodwill clothes, (that I bought from the days prior can recycling) I was proud that I accomplished my mission. eating free lunch because that’s what my family qualified for, carrying the weight of embarrassment that no teenager should have to carry. I got into more fights than I can count because every joke, every comment, every laugh felt personal.

Looking back, I realize I wasn’t angry at them.

I was angry at my circumstances.

But here’s what I’ve learned…

Your circumstances are not your destiny.

The world may laugh at where you start. People may judge you for what you’re driving, what you’re wearing, where you live, or what you’re going through. Let them!

Because they don’t get to decide where your story ends.

That kid pushing a shopping cart wasn’t weak. He was doing whatever it took to survive. He was working for every dollar with dignity, even when the world tried to shame him for it.

Today, I look back on that kid with pride.

He didn’t quit.

He didn’t let embarrassment become an excuse.

He didn’t let poverty become an identity.

He kept moving.

This week, I took my son back to California for my Foster Dads Funeral, and showed him those streets. I showed him where I pushed that shopping cart. I told him the stories that shaped me. It brought back a flood of memories, but it also reminded me how grateful I am for the journey.

If you’re struggling today, don’t quit.

Don’t let someone’s opinion become your reality.

Don’t let today’s hardship convince you that tomorrow can’t be different.

The greatest success stories are often written by people who were counted out long before they were ever celebrated.

Make your own destiny.

One step. One day. One decision at a time.

Feeding the boys and girls in blue at Lowe's Home Improvement on Skibo today!

💥BOOM💥 Kraken Customs letttts gooooo!

Working on my ne ‘69 Nova at Kraken Customs

💥FREE💥 Lil Kraken Bowling event today!! It is 100% FREE!! Bring the kids out to bowl at B & B Bowling Lanes 10am-1pm!! See you there!! Here’s the link for your tickets!

https://kraken-skulls.com/shop-all-products/ols/products/lil-kraken-bowling

Heading to the event.. you still have time and open seats.

https://kraken-skulls.com/shop-all-products/ols/products/mothers-day-dinner/v/MTH-S-DAY-DNN-5PM

We had a visitor today…. Anyone know this guy?