Mr. Cape: Growing Up

These ten pictures all have one thing in common: ME! :) Yes, self-centered, but I have a point to being self-centered as this edition of MaDnEsS has its title of: Mr. Cape: Growing Up. Side note: Does any of the 90’s kids out there remember how they grew the Rugrats up to teenagers, but they cannot make grow SpongeBob up to being 13? It makes no sense to me! 

So I was talking to another friend today while I was sitting in the hospital waiting for my Dad’s surgery to be completed. In the completion of “Friends…,” I was suggested to make a list of positive qualities to keep to get rid of my negative thoughts of myself. Before I continue, let me go over the numbered pictures.

         

         1.       Picture of my Mom, Recie, my Sister, Michelle, and me in 1993.

         2.       Picture of me after my first sermon in 2006 with my, then minister, Pastor Larry

         3.       Casey and I in 2007

         4.       Russell County Hero Cover page in 2008

         5.       SkillsUSA Kentucky State Officer picture in 2010.

         6.       Picture of myself in 2011.

         7.       “Graduating” picture with the library family in May 2011.

         8.       Graduation 2011

         9.       Professional Photo brought to you by Berea College PR in September 2011.

       10.   Birthday bash at my aunt’s house just last month-May 2012…had to get a recent picture of myself. :)

So now, as part of my challenge from my friend of breaking the negativity in my life, I will now go through these 10 photos and come up with 10 different positive remarks about myself. So let’s begin with number 10. Like David Letterman, here is my Top Ten Positive Traits of one, Mr. Matthew L. Cape.

10. Celebrating family birthdays is a good, healthy thing. Get together more often.

9. I am a handsome young man. Believe it!

8. I am the first person in my family to graduate high school;

    how awesome is that?!

7. I can be myself around true friends, as they do not judge me.

6. I am there for everyone, including those who have wronged me.

5. I look good in any suit.

4. I am a hero in somebodies eyes, including Russell County, 

    for my advocacy against drug abuse.

3. I can make anyone smile, even on a cold, rainy Easter.

2. I done the Lord’s work in 2007, don’t stop.

And the number one positive trait about myself…

1.       I had a great Mom-I make her proud by being positive.

I have more things that have just came to mind as I read over this list including a letter of congratulations from President Barack Obama for completing more than 240 hours of community service hours in a 10 month period. Also, in high school, I completed more than 400 hours of community service hours-an average of 100 per year. A final positive quality of myself is the fact that I was accepted to Berea College. 

You know, I get goose bumps just reading this list! I guess positive traits do help one out, huh? 

The following was a text from my “Mother” Emily encouraging me one night:

You’re a great young man who speaks his mind for what he believes in. You are you! Be proud and stand tall, you have every right to! Don’t ever stop fighting for what you believe in. Most of all, don’t ever stop being yourself! You’re the best. This Mommy loves you and is very proud of you! 

Warning: About to turn to Disney as my final words of advice on myself and to you:

“But the world is full of zanies and fools

Who don’t believe in sensible rules,

And don’t believe what sensible say

And because these doubts and do-eyed doubts

Keep building impossible hopes,

Impossible things are happening every day!” (Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella) 

Bottom line: You can do anything you set your mind to and you will be a wonderful person!

In fact, I am growing up and I am changing which means one thing: Bigger MaDnEsS! :)

~Matthew