Gerald Washington
Activity
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic Chasing Your Dreams 1 years, 6 months ago
Roger,
Wow. That darn hurricane ruined it for you. That’s still incredible to think about. You met John Lewis! That is major, Roger! I’ve always admired that man and his service as a Civil Rights activist. I wish I could have met him. I’m glad you did though. You met Steve Buscemi too?!? I like that guy a lot. He’s a great actor. You made him laugh too? That’s wild, Roger! I’m sorry to hear about his wife though. I’m glad you didn’t have a stroke. You’ve been through some trails that’s for sure, but the experiences you’ve had with others, have me amazed!
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Yeah. John Lewis more than earned the right to be quiet and reserved. Like you, I hope to walk across that bridge in Selma one day. What an experience to have with Steve. I remember hearing about Boardwalk Empire. It was a big deal for a while. You’ve done a lot. I salute you for your service. That’ll be amazing when you run for office someday!
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Gerald Washington shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 6 months agoUnseal Yourself
GeraldWelcome to a site called The Unsealed
A place where you can feel at peace and heal
It can be hard to find a place where you can relax
For a lot of sites, the nasty behavior is to the maxFierce arguments and cruel behavior rule the day
Not in The Unsealed, where kindness is here to stay
It may take a while to believe these truths
Trust issues have been a part of you ever since your youthBut you’ll eventually see that you can trust The Unsealed
The people here will applaud for you and cheer
It’s rare to get this kind of support
But on sites like here, you will never feel shortIt’s okay to share your voice
If you’re not ready, that’s okay, it’s your choice
The Unsealed will encourage you to take that step
And slowly but surely, you will finally unseal yourself-
Gerald I love that you love this safe space so much you wrote a letter to it. I’m glad we can have a place where you can let out any type of emotion and have people around to hear it and voice their opinions on the matter through love and understanding because we’ve either all been there or experienced other people going through it. Letters lik…read more
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Thank you Kayjah. I’m glad The Unsealed exists. It’s excellent to unleash whatever grievances we have through love and understanding as you mention. I love the way you put it. It’s sad that so many people never get to be heard. I hope The Unsealed continues to find a way to the voiceless so they can use their voice.
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Words can inspire, encourage, and empower. They can also comfort and heal. The Unsealed is a safe haven where people can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule and I’m glad you also feel that way.
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Most definitely. There’s power in words. I agree with you on The Unsealed. It’s a safe place where people can express themselves through their writing and get encouragement and support from other Unsealers.
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic Chasing Your Dreams 1 years, 6 months ago
Roger,
That’s incredible that you worked on a campaign for President Obama’s reelection. Your mom would be proud of your activism. I would hope she was watching from above at your work. I’m so glad you didn’t die in 2013. That would have been tragic for your loved ones and people who would connect with you in the future. So far, it sounds like you’ve made a difference in other people’s lives and will continue to make a difference for a long time. Great letter!
Gerald
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Roger,
Wow. That darn hurricane ruined it for you. That’s still incredible to think about. You met John Lewis! That is major, Roger! I’ve always admired that man and his service as a Civil Rights activist. I wish I could have met him. I’m glad you did though. You met Steve Buscemi too?!? I like that guy a lot. He’s a great actor. You made him…read more
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Yeah. John Lewis more than earned the right to be quiet and reserved. Like you, I hope to walk across that bridge in Selma one day. What an experience to have with Steve. I remember hearing about Boardwalk Empire. It was a big deal for a while. You’ve done a lot. I salute you for your service. That’ll be amazing when you run for office someday!
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic Mental Health 1 years, 6 months ago
Hey James,
You have a lot of good qualities about yourself. You’re kind, thoughtful, caring, loyal, and persistent. I admire your persistence. My persistence varies. I wish it were stronger like yours. Maybe in time, that will come. That’s good the girl you dated had a good birthday. Thank you for sharing your amazing letter.
Gerald
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What’s up Gerald ? Thanks for the kind words man. But you just keep being Gerald. Don’t worry about my persistence. Btw, your confidence is so clearly rising from when you first started speaking. Good to see. I have an eye contact problem. Working on that. So maybe we both have things to work on huh? Btw, that girl doesn’t talk to me anymo…read more
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Jim! What’s up? You’re welcome, man. I like the advice. Thanks for your kind words. Yeah, I just had to get used to new people. Eye contact is tough to do at times, so I hear you on that. Yeah, we have things to work on. Sorry to hear that about the girl, Jim. It stings when that happens. My pleasure. I was happy to reach out. Take care!
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Yeah buddy. Life is all about one day at a time for me man. If this day can be better than the last, that’s a start. Modest goal, yes. But not all of us are out to take over the world like Lauren lol. Yeah it’s rough w the girl. But hey. Such is life right. Ok man. Let’s keep being Jim and Gerald. Cool?
Have a great Sunday Gerald-
I hear ya. I’m the same way. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time. Sometimes my head thinks too far down the line, but it’s all good. Yeah. Lauren may achieve her goal of taking over the world haha. I only want a good piece of the world and I’m good. Yeah, you’re right, such is life…darn it. I’m with you, let’s keep being Jim and Gerald.…read more
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Yep. If we just be the best links on the chain that we can be, we are doing our part. If everyone did, it would be a nicer world that’s for sure. Have a great week my friend
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Very well put. All we can do is be the best link that we can be to help the chain be strong. You too friend. I hope you’re having a good week so far. It was good to see you tonight also.
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Good to see you too my friend. Yeah the week has gone well enough. Some friends are coming over Sunday. I’m making lasagna. So that’ll be cool. And friends 25th wedding anniversary party tomorrow. Good weekend. Hope yours is good as well Gerald
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Yummy! Lasagna sounds good. I hope you had a good time at your friends 25th wedding anniversary. That’s amazing. I hope you’re enjoying your week so far, Jim. Yeah this week hasn’t been too bad for me, Jim.
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Gerald! Happy Thursday my friend. Yeah the lasagna was great. It was nice to have people over for a change. The party was cool. Filipino wedding. I even danced a little. My friend ordered it. So I had to listen. I bluffed my way thru the Electric Slide lol. But I’m gonna learn it for real. For next time haha. I almost have it down haha. Hope y…read more
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic Magical Moments 1 years, 7 months ago
Very true, Kayjah. I’m glad you understand where I’m coming from. I get nervous to when I get on rides that are too high for me to handle. That’s why I don’t do very high roller coasters anymore. It’s too much for me. I like your idea of saying you’re not afraid of heights, you’re just scared of falling. I need to try that the next time I fly on a plane again.
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Ah okay. I’m sorry you lost her and you left college. That had to have been a tough time for you. I’m guessing 33 on a ACT is great. It’s been a while since I heard about those tests. So you’ve dabbled in a bit of everything musically it seems? That’s pretty cool. I tried learning how to play keyboard a little bit in my early 20s, but I wasn’t disciplined enough to keep it going. Same thing with the drums and the bass. It was fun messing with the keys, but then when it started to feel like work, I would stop. Those who can play with their left hand are amazing to me, because I’m right-handed and playing with my left is very tough for me.
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Cool stuff! Let me find out if you’re a Stevie Wonder type of musician. Lol. You were into that band life. That’s a dope dream by your mom to go to Ohio State. Did you ever go to that college?
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Ah okay. I’m sorry you lost her and you left college. That had to have been a tough time for you. I’m guessing 33 on a ACT is great. It’s been a while since I heard about those tests. So you’ve dabbled in a bit of everything musically it seems? That’s pretty cool. I tried learning how to play keyboard a little bit in my early 20s, but I wasn’t…read more
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Gerald Washington shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 1 years, 7 months agoFlight Fear
GeraldDear Unsealers,
November of 2006 was an exciting time in my life. I was 17 at the time and I was going to live in Maryland with my oldest sister. Plus, it would be my first time flying in an airplane, so my excitement was sky-high around the time.
On the day of my flight from San Antonio, Texas to Maryland, a phone call woke me up at 4 in the morning. It was my sister. I remember she asked me if I was excited to come live with her. I could barely answer still trying to get my thoughts together. ”Huh,” she replied. Afterward, I gave a better answer to her before our phone call ended.
Two hours later, I was at the airport. Going through security to get to the right gate for my first flight was an adventure for me. When it was time to get on my first plane, I couldn’t wait to get up in the air.
When my first flight started to take off, the excitement I had turned to fear. The more the plane speed increased, the worse my nerves got. When the plane got up in the air, the anxiety I was feeling had taken complete control of my body.
The realization of being in the air instead of being on the ground had really sunk in my head. Seeing lightning in the window nearby, only increased my out-of-control fear. ”I’m not gonna make it through this flight”, I thought.
The older woman who was sitting beside me in the window seat must have felt the fear I was feeling. She started talking to me. She was so calm like she had been through this takeoff routine a million times!
Her calmness gave me the courage & strength to get through this takeoff. The nerves I felt would disappear, and the plane would finally coast around blue skies & beautiful clouds, way up in the air. I couldn’t believe I was flying on an airplane.
I still get nervous when I fly on a plane, but I know now that those nerves I feel are only temporary until the plane relaxes in the air. I’m grateful for that woman who was on my first flight. She showed me an example of calm courage that I’ll never forget.
Gerald
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Gerald, I totally get where you are coming from. It’s pretty hard to put your trust in a thing that lifts you up higher than you usually expect it to. Especially when you are so used to being on the ground. I get nervous when I’m high on a ride or sometimes past my limits of height. I usually say that I’m not scared of heights in just scared of…read more
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Very true, Kayjah. I’m glad you understand where I’m coming from. I get nervous to when I get on rides that are too high for me to handle. That’s why I don’t do very high roller coasters anymore. It’s too much for me. I like your idea of saying you’re not afraid of heights, you’re just scared of falling. I need to try that the next time I fly on a…read more
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I’m so glad you got over your fear, but it’s totally understandable, because I too was afraid to ever fly until I got older, much older, in my 50’s. It took me that long, because I had always stated that I would never fly, that was until I became very ill with cancer (twice). That made me not be too afraid of taking leaps and flying on a plane…read more
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I’m glad you were able to get over your fear too. I’m sorry to hear that you had cancer twice. I’m happy that you beat it. That is awesome that your daughter took you to Disney Land. I’m glad you had a great time there. I would love to go to Disney World or Land. I’ve wanted to go to Disney World since I read my sister’s Disneyworld book she got…read more
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Well dang, Roger! You were waaaaay on the front lines! That giant instrument must have been hard to endure after a few minutes. Did you ever play the Tuba? Wow, what memories to have. The new band director sounds like he’ll do great. You got me missing my youth choir days in this church I went to in Texas. It was so much fun singing and dancing (A little lol) with my choirmates.
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Cool stuff! Let me find out if you’re a Stevie Wonder type of musician. Lol. You were into that band life. That’s a dope dream by your mom to go to Ohio State. Did you ever go to that college?
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Ah okay. I’m sorry you lost her and you left college. That had to have been a tough time for you. I’m guessing 33 on a ACT is great. It’s been a while since I heard about those tests. So you’ve dabbled in a bit of everything musically it seems? That’s pretty cool. I tried learning how to play keyboard a little bit in my early 20s, but I wasn’t…read more
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Wow. That’s interesting stuff. You were in good hands with your band director. It’s great your mom got to enjoy seeing you in that part of your life. Heck, you got me wishing I could have seen you in action with your group.
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Well dang, Roger! You were waaaaay on the front lines! That giant instrument must have been hard to endure after a few minutes. Did you ever play the Tuba? Wow, what memories to have. The new band director sounds like he’ll do great. You got me missing my youth choir days in this church I went to in Texas. It was so much fun singing and dancing (A…read more
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Cool stuff! Let me find out if you’re a Stevie Wonder type of musician. Lol. You were into that band life. That’s a dope dream by your mom to go to Ohio State. Did you ever go to that college?
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Ah okay. I’m sorry you lost her and you left college. That had to have been a tough time for you. I’m guessing 33 on a ACT is great. It’s been a while since I heard about those tests. So you’ve dabbled in a bit of everything musically it seems? That’s pretty cool. I tried learning how to play keyboard a little bit in my early 20s, but I wasn’t…read more
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Lauren,
Y’all had a lot of fun trips together. Disneyworld is still on my list of places I want to visit. I’m glad you had those car rides with your mom and dad. You have amazing parents that give you love every chance they get and that is awesome!
Car rides are so much fun. I enjoy the car rides I had with my family when we would go to different states listening to 80s music. It’s true that the best memories are the ones we don’t realize we’re creating. We’re just enjoying being in the moment.
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Shelley
This is a sweet story. I’m glad you got so much love from your grandparents. Chicken soup never sounded so good before. I can picture you having chicken soup with your grandparents on a cold day in NYC. Your letter makes me miss my grandparents. I remember my grandad getting me a candy bar and giving it to me. I miss going to my grandparent’s house and both of them sitting on their own couches. There was such love in their house. I wish I had more time with them.
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Roger, this is very touching. You must have had a blast playing those songs and your mom watching you play. I salute you for playing in front of your audience. I wouldn’t be able to get one note out of my instrument. Lol.
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Wow. That’s interesting stuff. You were in good hands with your band director. It’s great your mom got to enjoy seeing you in that part of your life. Heck, you got me wishing I could have seen you in action with your group.
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Well dang, Roger! You were waaaaay on the front lines! That giant instrument must have been hard to endure after a few minutes. Did you ever play the Tuba? Wow, what memories to have. The new band director sounds like he’ll do great. You got me missing my youth choir days in this church I went to in Texas. It was so much fun singing and dancing (A…read more
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Cool stuff! Let me find out if you’re a Stevie Wonder type of musician. Lol. You were into that band life. That’s a dope dream by your mom to go to Ohio State. Did you ever go to that college?
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Ah okay. I’m sorry you lost her and you left college. That had to have been a tough time for you. I’m guessing 33 on a ACT is great. It’s been a while since I heard about those tests. So you’ve dabbled in a bit of everything musically it seems? That’s pretty cool. I tried learning how to play keyboard a little bit in my early 20s, but I wasn’t…read more
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Roger! I’m glad you can relate to my letter. I know what you mean. Christmas is still good but it was magical when mom was around. I’m so glad you and your dad had that fantastic time together in the hospital watching James Bond movies. Your mom’s presence definitely was there that day with you and your dad. Thank you for the good wishes. I hope we can all get together again for Christmas. What a gift that would be.
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic To the people we love 1 years, 7 months ago
Thank you, Lauren. Yeah, it’s very hard and then so many changes make it hard to keep up. I would love to get most of my family together this Christmas. That would be a great Christmas present! 🙂
Gerald -
Gerald Washington shared a letter in the
To the people we love group 1 years, 7 months agoChristmas Times In The Washington Home
GeraldDear Mom, Dad, Brother & Sisters
I cherish every good time we had (And still have) together. But when December came around during my childhood, it was always an exciting time. I’ll never forget helping you all put up the Christmas trees. We always had a big tree in that trailer! It was a lot of fun looking at those beautiful Christmas lights in the living room at night with y’all.Singing Christmas songs with each other was also a joy. My favorite song we would sing together was Twelve Days Of Christmas. It was funny trying to remember each of the things that match each number. But when we sang that song, we SANG the song!
The closer Christmas Eve & Day got, the more our excitement rose. School added to the excitement by having us students watch Christmas movies, making gingerbread houses (Those were so good!), and eating Christmas candies.
I’ll never forget dad when you told me the tale about Santa Claus and what happens if he catches you awake at night. You said he’ll put salt & pepper in our eyes if Santa catches us peeking. I remember hearing who I think was Santa one time during Christmas in the early morning. That story made me stay in bed until Santa left our trailer and went to another place.
Santa never put salt & pepper in our eyes, so I’m grateful for that. Whew!
Christmas Days were the best. I was always the first to go into the living room and see what Santa got for all of us. The happiness, joy, and wonder I felt each time at looking under the Christmas tree was everything. Seeing you all also happy and opening presents was great to see also.
I remember my brother and me playing with our new toys while mom and dad were cooking Christmas dinner. My sisters would be in the living room with us for a while before heading to their room and playing in their own world until Christmas dinner was ready. Haha!
I miss those times when we would have Christmas together, before my siblings and I started having our own lives. I’m forever grateful for those times though and hope we can all get together again soon. And mom, I’ll save you a plate so you can eat yourself silly.
Gerald-
AWW Gerald. This is so sweet. Growing up is hard sometimes, cause so much changes. But you should try and get as much of your family together as possible this Christmas! xo
Lauren-
Thank you, Lauren. Yeah, it’s very hard and then so many changes make it hard to keep up. I would love to get most of my family together this Christmas. That would be a great Christmas present! 🙂
Gerald
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Roger! I’m glad you can relate to my letter. I know what you mean. Christmas is still good but it was magical when mom was around. I’m so glad you and your dad had that fantastic time together in the hospital watching James Bond movies. Your mom’s presence definitely was there that day with you and your dad. Thank you for the good wishes. I hope…read more
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic A letter to my younger self 1 years, 8 months ago
Thank you, Lauen!! I can feel y’all love every time we have a Zoom conversation. You’re right. They missed out a geninue friend. I’m honored to have you a part of my circle as well. I’m beyond honored to be a part of your circle also. I still can’t believe I crossed paths with you! Appreciate y’all having my back and I have y’all back too! I love y’all too. I can’t thank you (and others) for the support and love you’ve shown me! Let the good times roll! 😀 Gerald
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic A letter to my younger self 1 years, 8 months ago
Thanks, Kayjah. I appreciate your touching response. It’s tough to love yourself at a time when you’re figuring things out. To love yourself even when others don’t want you to love yourself is powerful to do. It’s great to come across people like yourself who had obstacles they had to fight to get to where you are today. People like you, Lauren & Shelley inspires me to keep fighting the good fight! Thank you once again for your response.
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic A letter to my younger self 1 years, 8 months ago
Hi Shelley,
Thank you so much. I appreciate your touching words (as always!). Thank you for the advice also. I’ve gotten better at tuning out the negative noise and focusing on the good that I’m blessed to have in my life like The Unsealed and connecting with kind-hearted people like yourself! You take care as well!Gerald
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Gerald this letter is absolutely powerful. I’m glad you were able to be the true gentlemen you came out to be and such a great writer at that. going through school is hard sometimes because you are always labeled as something and none truly appreciates such kind-hearted and gentle people like you. I’m so happy that you learned to love yourself and…read more
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Thanks, Kayjah. I appreciate your touching response. It’s tough to love yourself at a time when you’re figuring things out. To love yourself even when others don’t want you to love yourself is powerful to do. It’s great to come across people like yourself who had obstacles they had to fight to get to where you are today. People like you, Lauren &…read more
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Gerald Washington responded to a letter in topic Chasing Your Dreams 1 years, 8 months ago
You’re welcome!! I’m glad it meant a lot to you. I appreciate the kind comment. I just share what I think could help others (like what you and others do here on The Unsealed). I’m happy I found this site and Lauren too!!! I still can’t believe I know someone who used to be a sportscaster! How wild is that?!? I agree with you, this is an amazing platform. The positive vibes here are incredible!
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