Your Spirit Will Live On
Rodney Schiefelbein (Acting father to two very special girls Minuette & Josette
When I think of Rod I’m reminded of me.
We were so much alike, you would have to agree.
We both had our talents, accomplishments too.
Some struggles, the same, that we both had went thru.
Both dealt with addiction and smoking cocaine.
Sucked both of us in. Lived with all of its pain.
I managed escaping its horrible grip.
While Rod learned its wrath as he let his life slip.
I know that my friend is in Heaven with God.
Peace and joy finally have come to know Rod.
The life that he lost, I give blame to those dealing.
Who couldn’t care less for the way Rod was feeling.
He couldn’t escape though I know he intended.
His death I attribute to those he befriended.
I know how it went, though he wanted to quit.
Those creeps came around and would give him a hit.
Which started those cravings all over again.
Would things have been different if they’d have known then.
That after they cost Rod his home and near wife.
In the end they would cost him the rest of his life.
I’m so sick of those people out selling that crack.
There are two little girls who can’t get their dad back.
Due to these jerks who would act like Rod’s pal.
I hope that each one spends a lifetime in jail.
I feel half to blame, that Rod met this sad fate.
I meant to reach out to him. Waited too late.
I knew he was troubled yet knew he had hope.
Knew he was close to the end of his rope.
I wrote a good book that he helped to inspire.
Along with two girls he did deeply admire.
I knew of his struggles; his losses and pain.
My goal is to see he did not die in vain.
Instead it’s my hope that his loss opens eyes.
That others take action for he or she dies.
If it weren’t for the crack Rodney wouldn’t have died.
He wasn’t the type to commit suicide.
His mind was so gone from this drugs harsh affect.
Those dealers must pay. It is time to collect.
If they just would have left Rod alone to get clean.
He might have escaped for that terrible scene.
Instead they would tempt him with one hit for free.
Then down to the pawn shop is where he would be.
Selling whatever it was he could sell.
With only one thought, of him ringing his bell.
I know where he was. I, myself, was once there.
I know his depression, frustration, despair.
What Rod finally did, I considered it too.
This is the problem. That too many do.
While this problem is fresh let it get in our hearts.
Refresh all our thinking and get some new starts.
Rod was my brother. I felt that connected.
We all know the truth, there are others affected.
Addiction, I’m sorry, is kicking our ass.
That’s why it’s time that we reach to the mass.
To get this word out before others are lost.
My friend, who I lost, is a sign of the cost.
I knew Rodney well. I know just how he felt.
What he said to his God the last night that he knelt.
He asked God forgive him for what he was doing.
The pain was too much and too long it’d been brewing.
He prayed for the girls; Minuette and Josette.
They remember the good things; the bad things forget.
The hurt he was knowing was needing a rest.
I only wish Rod could have gave life his best.
He had so much going. He could do so much, well.
The stories we all can look back on and tell.
The guy was so smart in so many darned ways.
I always look back on our earlier days.
If broken, he’d fix it, before you would know.
Your car would be done and be ready to go.
Give me five or ten bucks. You can owe me he’d say.
Well Rod now’s my chance, for those deeds, to repay.
This book I’m devoting to you, my old friend.
To see that your life is no means at its end.
We’ll keep you alive with the book you’d inspired.
Instead of condemned I will see you’re admired.
Your shirt off the back’s the type of guy that you were.
You reminded me a lot of myself, that’s for sure.
Together we’ll start up “The Rodney Foundation”.
After all my old friend; it was your inspiration.
I pray God have mercy and welcome your soul.
Understanding addiction and what it had stole.
I know what your heart held; that good side of you.
I’m sure you’re in Heaven cause God knew it too.
Your story will live and try hard comprehending.
How your story could possibly have a good ending.
Leave that up to me, God unfolded the plan.
To tell about Rodney; a wonderful man.
Your spirit will live! (I Promise)