Autobiography

Benny (Richard) Downing Jr.
INTRODUCTION

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip. That started from this tropic port, aboard this tiny ship.....
If your from my generation the theme song from Gilligan's Island brings back fond memories. Gilligan's Island was a show about seven castaways all of which came from different backgrounds. It would be years later until I appreciated it's symbolism and relevance to the real world.

Hello, my name is Richard Downing. The following is an attempt to be an “open book”. I feel the biggest part of getting to know someone is to get to know their history…their roots. I have met many people that seem to be looking to meet people without “baggage”, I say, good luck! It’s unfortunate, because my most soulful experiences in life have been with people that let me look thou their “bags”. So please come in, relax, have a seat, slip off your shoes and take your time and look thru my “bags”.

I would like to take a moment to express my intent of allowing other people to read about my history. I have met many people and after talking with them, walk away wondering what makes them “tic”. In our society we are taught (trained) on how to think and act, then, we also experience for ourselves how people are, a lot of times they just don’t match, we our told one thing, then we experience or witness another. By the time we are an adult, we are pretty well confused and for good reason. While I have experience many horrible things in my life, I do not corner the market on misfortune. We all experience rough times in life. This journal is about my life experiences. Also, I appreciate you willing to take time to read my Journal. It is my hope that it will inspire you to do one for yourself. There are several ways to do it, I used a chronological base for mine.

Note: I am still working on “My Story", as you will notice some of the years may not have anything in them and from time to time I will add, remove or rearrange information to make it flow and more digestible for the reader and as I put together more pieces of the “puzzle”. Also, I ask that you do not inform me of grammar mistakes, for it is an inherit part of my writing, I have had a few people that wanted to “just help” and point the mistakes out, which interferes with comprehending my story in it’s totality, so I ask that you reframe from doing that. I would be interested to hear from anyone that has anything to say about my history or about your own history.

Places I have lived:

1) (1968-1975)806 Lawrence Ave., Terrell, TX., 75160(Age:0-7)(Mother & Dad)

2) (1975-1980)801 W. Market St., Honey Grove, TX.(Age:7-12)

3) (1980-1981)000 000000, Jonesboro, Louisiana (Age:12)( Mother)

4) (1981)912 N.Catherine St., Terrell, TX.(Age:12)( Velma Downing's House-Grandmother)

5) (1981)104 E. State St., Terrell, TX.(Age:12)

6) (1981)701 College St., Terrell, TX.(Age:12)( Lilly "Nanny" & Ted "Papa" Allen-Grandparents)

7) (1981)912 N. Catherine St., Terrell, TX.(Age:12)( Velma Downing's House-Grandmother)

8) (1981)000 Alamo St., Terrell, TX.(Age:12)( Mother's House)

9) (1981)912 N. Catherine St., Terrell, TX.(Age:12)( Velma Downing's House-Grandmother's)

10) (1981-1982)7065 Love, Quinlan, TX., 75475(Age:12)( Boles Children's Home)

11) (1982)2405 Hillcrest Ave., Greenville, TX.(Age:13)( Dad's & Step Mother's Houes)

12) (1982)912 N. Catherine St., Terrell, TX.(Age:13)( Velma Downing's House-Grandmother)

13) (1983-1987)-7065 Love, Quinlan, TX., 75474(Age:13-18)( Boles Children's Home)

14) (1987-1988)- 107 Westvue, Terrell, TX. ( Mother's House) (Age:18-19)

15) (1988-1989)--1327 South Baxter Ave. Tyler, TX., ( Tyler Junior College)(Age:19-20)

16) (1989-1990)-000 00000, Apt. #000, Tyler, TX.( My Own Apt.)(Age:20-21)

17) (1990)----- 000 00000, Apt. #000, Tyler, TX.( My Own Apt.)(Age:21)

18) (1990)------250 Nixon St., Wills Point, TX.( Mother & Todd Rusk)(Age:22)

19) (1990)------2603 Halifax, Greenville, TX. 75401 ( Darla Heck's House)

20) (1990)------2900 Robin Rd., Apt. #108 Greenville, TX.( Roomate: Wess)

21) (1991)----- 1919 Joe Ramsey Blvd. Apt.#00, Greenville, TX.( My Own Apt.)

22) (1992)----- 000 00000, Farmersville, TX.(Rented Mobile home that had no running water)

23) (1992-1993) Tawakoni, Quinlan, TX., ( Merchants Mobile Home Park- Dad's House)

24) (1994) 1919 Joe Ramsey Blvd., Apt. #G-4, Greenville, TX.( My Own Apt.)

25) (1994-1995) 4900 Vandelia St., Dallas, TX. 75219

26) (1995) 4214 Rawlins Apt. #101, Dallas, TX. 75219 ( My Own Apt., With roommate: Larry, then Joseph)

27) (1995-1996) 2603 Halifax St., Greenville, TX. 75401 ( Darla Heck's House)(Age:28-29)

28) (1996) 3140 N. Hall St. Apt. #361, Dallas, TX. 75219 (Rented Room From Tomas)(Age:29)

29) (1996-1997) 4107 Bowser Apt. #103A, Dallas, TX. 75219 (My Own Apt.)(Age:29)

30) (1997-1999) 2800 Douglas Ave., Apt. #217, Dallas, TX. 75219 (My Own Apt.)(Age:

31) (1999) 2800 Douglas Ave., Apt., #300, Dallas, TX. 75219 (My Own Apt.)

32) (1999-2000) 2308 Seabreeze Dr., Mesquite, TX., 75150 ( Mother's House)

33) (2000) 2603 Halifax St., Greenville, TX., 75401 ( Darla Heck's House)

34) (2000-2001) 4141 Rosemeade Pky, Apt. #2309, Dallas, TX., 75287 ( Marty's Apt.)

35) (2001-2008) 4857 N Galloway Ave., Apt. #402, Mesquite, TX., 75150 (My Own Apt. Section 8) (Age:33-38) The Apartment complex where I live is no longer going to accept Section 8, so I will have to move when my lease is up. I have enjoyed living here for the last 7 years, it's the longest and nicest place I have lived in my adult life. I am going to miss the valuted ceilings, I am 6'3", I stand TALL in my home, however, things change and it's time to MOVE in another direction in my life.

36) (2008) 4317 Shepherd Lane, Balch Springs, TX., 75180. Found New Home...and it's...Beautiful. It is Perfect for me. It brings dignity, justice and grace to my life. I am so EXCITED I could EXPLODE.

37) (2009) 4317 Shepherd Lane, Balch Springs, TX..