Growing Up: Crisscrossing the Line (Memoirs of a Beautiful Mind) [Paperback]

What's this kid saying? This poetic memoir tells one child's story of growing up, crisscrossing the line of two worlds. Boy | Man; Genius | Insanity; Love | Hate. Giving voice to real feelings that couldn't be said, nor heard. Until now.


"Out of the mouths of babes" come enlightening words - sometimes. Mostly raw expression of whatever is inside. Often incomprehensible, haphazard, and misunderstood.


This poetic memoir describes how the mind of a man came to be, from its humble beginnings as a baby. The experiences, major turning points, and imprinted memories it clung to.


The man in question faces me in the mirror, everyday. I have lived, remembered, and felt each memory. Yet somehow, as a child, I was never able to put into words the feelings of hurt and health; of happiness and horror.


Looking back, with adult voice and vocabulary, I share and describe how I felt growing up - those dimensions I felt unable to express myself, in my weakness. This process will begin to bring peace to the experiences of chapters past and let them close. Within these recollections, an understanding and appreciation for the feelings of the young - those who feel very real feelings, but lack the words to tell them - will hopefully resonate through.


Each of the following poems represents a snapshot - a vivid point that played a pivotal role in my upbringing, development, and growth.


"A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Here's to saving them, one at a time.

- - -
Illumination
Light of light shines bright
Guides those with sight, wanes their plight
Keeps steadfast on right
- - -

Omar L. Rashed is a man who wears many hats with one theme. He lives his name -- Rashed -- he helps others find their way.

His most beloved occupation is "husband" -- King with the most amazing Queen in the world.

His most treasured title is "dad" -- father of his little princess and two littler princes.

His profession is professor at Rutgers University, where he teaches in the School of Social Work.

His labor of love is Rashed Lights Ways, which shares gems of wisdom to help us live a fulfilling life and encourages in the digital conversation house we built to share our experiences on the path.



His craft is polishing gems, helping others who would like to share their gems of writing with the world to shine brightest.



"I'm a lover of beauty, a lover of light,
I share both of these in all that I write.
To help give sight, help spirits take flight."

But his greatest honor is to be known by his Creator.

"It is sufficient for my honor that You are My Lord,
And it is sufficient for my dignity that I am Your servant.
O God, You are as I love, so make me as You love"

Thanking Him, Glorified Be His Name, in the beginning and end