"That is a lot of information."

My grizzled old friend thought for a moment,
"Deciding on what you want to do to earn a living for the rest of your life is a big decision.
It is one that should not be taken likely. I am making an effort to leave no stones unturned."

"I think you succeeded."

Jack nodded to himself,
"I made the effort. I know this tale isn't the best. It isn't a polished gem. There are rough spots that I really don't know how to smooth over. The story is there. You might not hear it till you actually trip over it, but it is in there. All I aim to accomplish by telling this story is to change the life of one young man or woman still in high school. They don't have to live a mediocre life. They certainly deserve a life better than one lived in quite desperation."

"Is that how you feel about the life you lived, Jack?"

He did not answer. Time stood still in the dingy, dimly lit room. The light thunderstorm had passed and the patter of raindrops bouncing off the street below was a distant memory.

Jack cleared his throat,
"Some parts, not the whole thing. I had a life. I don't know if it was a good life, but I had one. I accomplished things that I take pride in. I know I could have done better. If someone can listen, it is possible for them to become something greater, and I will know redemption. I'm a geezer. It is too late for me. It isn't too late for them."