Reflections 11
Red on Cruger
Thank you for changing my life.
I'm not the same person I was a year ago. 1 year ago I was living on the street only responsible for Z and myself. That all changed when we were apprehended by the B-squad. We were offered to be involved in something bigger. I knew going to jail would be a black mark on my record, and this would be the chance to turn my life around.
I've never had someone believe in me before. Not only did I become part of a team, I became its leader. It was awkward at first, but Commander Cruger supported me and believed in me. Soon I was responsible for three other people besides Z. It was a humbling privilege to be leading them into battle for the sake of good.
Cruger taught me to look at the bigger picture. How many times did I and the team jump to conclusions without having all the information? He was patient with me, guiding me in leadership. There were rough times no doubt, but the good times outweigh them mightily. I would not change one moment of it.
I will always remember my teammates and my time at SPD. It's molded me into the person I am now. A person I can be proud of. He taught me that we could overcome anything, because we have a choice to either accept what has happened and move on, or dwell on it and miss opportunities for something bigger.
I learned to take responsibility for my actions and the actions of those that I lead. Leadership is not easy, and it's only as good as the team beside you. Lucky for me, I had one of the greatest teams of all time. Through adversity grew respect, and out of respect came friendship. When friends fight side by side, there is strength that cannot be defeated.
Sometimes I look back at what my life could have been. I could still be rotting in jail, or continuing my life of crime. Sometimes what you think is bad luck is actually a saving grace. I'm grateful everyday for Commander Cruger for his intervention and the friends I have made.
I'm hoping to change many lives as well.