Unforgettable Times

He was restless, insecure, lacking the ever-present guidance of a father figure, and always searching for a new friend to fill the void. But for Ricardo Martinez, those early years provided some unforgettable times. In the housing projects of Southern Alabama where he came of age, every day was a new adventure-and neighborhood hijinks were an everyday affair.

Now, at forty-eight, Ricardo looks back at some of the most silly, serious, and profound moments from the years he'll never forget. Follow young Ricardo through the ups and downs of childhood and adolescence with the help of a courageous single mother who, through the grace of God and welfare, managed to keep nine children clothed, fed, and unaware of the financial difficulties going on around them.

As he finds himself in perilous situations, facing truancy officers, various punishments, and neighborhood bullies, Ricardo deals with the consequences of growing up without his biological father, learning several important lessons along the way. Among them, that he has unconditional love and support from his mother as well as his heavenly father.