Pump the Brakes: on the Move again?

Hotep,

A little over 10 months have passed since I had surgery on my left Achilles heel.  Dr. C. was quite optimistic, up to the 4^th month of my recovery.  A small indention in the middle of my Achilles tendon is what raised his concerns.  I, however, was making vast improvement with my therapeutic exercises, so I felt the good doctor’s concerns were a bit premature.  I’m beginning to learn the doctor knows best.  Who knew?

I mean, I’ve been doing squats with free weights – problem free.  Doing step-ups with dumbbells; no problem.  I’m running wind sprints with my man, Dushame.  Can you blame me for feeling as though a full recovery would be imminent?  Well, my aspirations lost some steam when I came to the conclusion that a full extended calf raise – using my left foot – just isnt’ going to happen.  SMH.

My left Achilles heel didn’t mend the way the good doctor projected it would.  So, his follow-up prognosis is simple:  another surgery in which he’ll use tissue from my hamstring to graft the Achilles tendon.  So here we go again, another holiday season; another adventurous recovery.  Na mean?

By the time this goes to press, the surgery will be past tense (10/26/12).  While you’re processing this information, I should be out of the recommended soft cast and reunited with the RV ankle weight, better known as “Philly.” It’s a rough was to begin the holiday season, but I must admit; I won’t be defeated by the challenge that lies ahead.  Feel me?

I recently read an article about a 64 year old tri-athlete.  Nancy Avitabile swims a mile in 34 minutes and 38 seconds.  It only takes her 1 hour and 16 minutes to pedal a bike 25 miles.  And she only needs 51 minutes and 40 seconds to complete a 10K run.  Now, that makes my Kunta Kinte Thing look like a complete stand still.  Word is bond!

Nancy’s athletic accomplishments are just the boost I need to get on the move again.  This time I’ll do things differently.  My initial recovery time will be spent in the new prison hospital.  From what I’ve been told, television is not an option.  So, I’ll miss a couple of weeks of football.  But, considering the way my Eagles are playing.  That might not be such a bad thing.  LMAO.  Hopefully, I won’t have a need for crutches when I’m discharged from the prison hospital. 

It’ll be hitting you with literary napalm from my hospital bed because the less I’m on my feet; makes for a smooth process of getting back on them.  Ya heard?  I feel confident about this surgery going down, without a glitch.  But, nothing is guaranteed when your body is under the influence of anesthesia, so I’m making the most of this gracious opportunity to remind the masses of the joy I feel when I’m engaged in our cyber connection.  Asante, Blogosphere!!

I hope that I’ve given you a reason to add a little more kindness to your hearts.  Life can’t be as bad as you think.  Just keep me on your screen and I’ll show you that the truth is more fulfilling than the method. 

May your holidays be full of glee, and your New Year be prosperous.  Happy Kwanzaa to all and continue to fight the good fight.  Na mean?

Peace and Love,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann


Editor's Note:  Your MannofStat's operation took place on November 9, 2012.  It was successful and he is recuperating in the hospital.

A Thankful Mann

Hotep,

It’s good to be alive.  I mean, despite all of the drama surrounding my existence and the many days of watching time go by, like balloons in the sky, I am truly thankful for another opportunity to be so much more than my circumstance.  In so many ways, The Most Gracious ONE has given me much to be thankful for.  So this Thanksgiving post goes out to any and every one reading between the lines of this post.  If a particular category reaches you; then yes!  I’m talking to you.

First and foremost; the everlasting support system comprised of family members and loved ones around the globe is a gift that keeps on giving.  Thanks for the love, my Peoples.  It’s this type of love that puts me in constant interaction with youngstas seeking advice, from someone who’s been where they’re going, mentally and emotionally.  That is something worthy of thanks.  Peachy days are rare inside this box, but the sense of relevance relieves the anguish of my physical limitations.  Feel me?

How could a Mann not be thankful for the barriers put before him, as a means of derailing his progression?  I am so thankful for the word, “Impossible.” It’s the fuel that drives me to exceed the expectations of the so-called “experts.” Holla if ya hear me, People:  The only expert on the heights of my capabilities is The Most Gracious ONE, himself.  So, no expert of man can adequately deem the aspirations of a Mann as impossible.  Ya heard?

A great champion of men once said:

“Impossible is not a fact.  It is an opinion.  Impossible is not a declaration.  It is a dare.  Impossible is potential.  Impossible is temporary.  Impossible is nothing.” With that said; it’s only right that I’m thankful for those that suffered persecution, state sanctioned bondage, and threats of death, long before I had to experience it.  Their blueprint is encouragement for the mighty task I have ahead of me.  Word is bond!

My connection to the Creator goes far beyond the worldly understanding of thankfulness.  My infinite gratitude is the foundation for my daily walk.  The enemy will continue to step into my path; and for that, I have to be thankful.  Why?  Well, I believe the enemy comes in the form of detractors, haters and backstabbers.  To encounter them, is to know them.  To know them, is to empathize with them.  We empathize with them because at some point and time we were them.

I’m thankful for love of self, and the recognition of my human flaws.  So loving you is not incomprehensible.  Ya heard?

Keep it 100,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Lights Out

Hotep,

The public art display of internationally renowned artist Rafael Lozano – Hemmer graced the skyline of my city this fall.  “Open Air” is an artful expression that entails 24 search lights placed around the Ben Franklin Parkway.  Every night from 9/20/12 – 10/14/12, the lights could be seen from a 10 mile – radius around the city.  The lights created “light sculptures” that changed based on the frequency of people’s voices.

Nightlife in Philly has changed a great deal since I last frequented my home metropolis, but all the same; I’m drawn to this feel good effect of light within the darkness of night.  As extreme as this artful display may have seemed, it may have been a necessary exhibition for those who feel encaged by darkness.  So, put your seatbelts on blogosphere.  I’m about to make a sharp turn to the point of this literary expression.

The death row housing unit prepares for lockdown every night at 10:55pm.  “Five minutes til lockdown.” The sometime turgid command coming through the loudspeaker indicates the end of the “enclosed liberties” for that particular day.  Before I report to my assigned cell, I give acknowledgement to my inner circle (Bigg Dogg, Dushame, Smoke-Digga, Bucktown and Streez) with a pound.  I acknowledge the rest of the block with a simple: “In the A.M.” or “Next day.”  Five words to live by.  Na mean?

You see, I’ve learned that living on death row can breed fatal thoughts of suicide (R.I.P. Eric Queen, a.k.a. E-Boogie).  That 10:55 acknowledgement could be the difference between a person assisting the state by carrying out their own death sentence; or someone getting up for breakfast the next day.  If I can encourage someone to fight another day, I’ll rest a little easier when the lights go out.  Feel me?

When the lights go out in prison, the atmosphere changes.  For some; life stands still and the anticipation for social interaction becomes a lengthy countdown.  For others; the level of creativity is enhanced by the stillness of the penitentiary darkness.

W2TM is a firework that’s ignited when the lights go out.  As the author of this firework, it’s my duty to shed light where darkness normally prevails.  In saying that; I’m a firm believer in speaking the nonexistent into existence.  The worst of our circumstances can be like walking into a dark room.  A room unfamiliar to us, which makes finding the light switch that much more of a task.

What’s most difficult about understanding the darkness of our circumstances is the patience behind our anticipation to see the light.  Our vision will eventually adjust to the darkness.  With patience, we can see our way through the darkness, and find that light switch that we should all be drawn to.  Just because the lights are out, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re trapped in the dark.  Ya heard?

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann