Misguided Intentions
by Codis Hampton II

From birth through our teens, we experience quite a bit of life that is out of our control. One could say we are not in command of our lives during that period. The responsibility for our overall well-being lies with our parents or other adults.

Once we have reached the legal age of self-responsibility, we have more control over who we are. How our life turns out is now in our care. The one constant during these episodes, peaks, and valleys of our lives is changing. Some changes are for the better; others could be harmful to our growth. But make no mistake about it, no matter where we are in our life cycle, over time everything must and will change. How our guardians or we facilitate, those changes are the key to a productive and happy life.

Misguided Intentions provides a great read of how its central character and others meet, interacted, accepted, or even rejected change. The unthinkable, the unimaginable, subtle and not so subtle shifts in personalities are clear for the reader to consume. Faith, hope, and love are traits most characters lean on in their development. You get to examine the life and family relationships during the mid-sixties through the mid-seventies. Civil Rights, Viet Nam War, Drugs, Sex, Rock and Roll, Rhythm & Blues and Free Love were the topics of the day. It’s an era when the younger generation looked to effect change in society while the older more conservative folk wanted to retain the American way of life or status quo if you will.

The central character, Annie Lee Holmes, may seem like an enigma to us. She like us all has that bag of life experiences weighing her down. You know…the one we keep adding to as we live our life. Her bag filled with mean spirited treatment. Mostly from an assortment of people that would drive a less stronger person crazy. Now she has children and wonders what next. One husband has walked out on her and his children. Another has suddenly died after a year, leaving behind another child. She is not sure how to be a human being, much less a parent. She certainly would not categorize herself as having mental fortitude. Her environment is like playing a televised part in a murder mystery, Psychoanalysis Drama, or Days of Our Lives Soap Opera. The difference is many of these characters are from the other side of the track. She is allowed to survive; she continues to stumble on from day to day.

Misguided Intentions paints a story of Annie Lee’s life journey; its effects on her ever-changing personality. The mantra is keeping your eyes on where you are going, not necessarily where you are at any given time. Be aware of the twist, turns along the way, never actually cease. Our job is to maneuver around, even through the obstacles. As George Benson’s song says, “Everything must change; nothing stays the same.” Peace, Blessings and keep it real, Codis Hampton II