They Call Me Buddy: A Memoir by Albert "Buddy" Jackson

My name is Albert Jackson but everyone calls me Buddy. Growing up, my family was both the best thing in my life and the most difficult thing in my life at the same time. We didn't always have food. My dad had a temper, and he wasn't good at keeping his fists in check. My mom and dad had a rough relationship until the day she finally had enough - she left him and we moved back to Bibb County when I was around 12 or 13. The road to get there was long. But through the whole journey - which I'll tell you about in this book - the stories I lived through molded me into who I am now. I'm sure you've got stories like that too, stories that made you into who you are. In fact, our stories may have some similarities, especially if you grew up somewhere like Brent, Alabama. On a typical day in a town like that, some days are smooth sailing - you're just a kid having a good time. Other times they aren't quite so smooth.If I could share anything with people, it's this - I want them to know that their best days are still out in front of them, if you will only believe that. God loves you - He's a God of unconditional love. And if you get out there and work hard at it, you can achieve anything you want to.I think growing up the way I did made me more of a compassionate person, a forgiving person, someone who cares, and someone who wants to make a difference. And that's the way I want to spend the rest of my life - working hard to make a difference in the lives of people however I can.