Left for Dead to Rejuvenated

Left for Dead to Rejuvenated

October 24, 1991
Northwest Hospital and Medical Center
Seattle, Washington

"Doctor we have to do something he's been out there without food for too long." One of the two nurses rush around the small newborn body of a black male. Insects have already taken to feasting upon his limbs and the small defenseless body is in bad shape.

"It's far too risky to place a feeding tube into him because of his state." The doctor looks around the small table at his constituents as they all continue to work getting the vitals of the baby near the brink of death.

"How can anyone do this to their child?" The other nurse asks getting slightly emotional. "This is terrible, absolutely barbaric."

Sometimes the most barbaric things make the best come out of you. A two days old I'm not sure if that fact will suffice here but it's what I've held on to throughout my life.

The doctor looks into the slightly open eyes of the wounded newborn. He moves the cords from his small chest seeing the strength of a being only an estimated two days old. The slow but steady rise of the baby's chest and ability to still whine and show life in the midst of his pain, the many cuts, the many open wounds, and the malnutrition. It gives the doctor the confidence he needs to make the call that will he hopes save a life that has barely even received the chance to begin. He looks toward around to his team nodding.

Even he saw the strength in me. Down, beaten, bloody, but never out. It was cold. Seattle tends to be. Really rainy. Still couldn't do away with me. Gifted, even then. My parents I will never know. The culprit of such an atrocity was never found but I survived. I remained.

"Ok ladies, we have to do this. Feeding tube, we must get him stronger before we know what to do next. We clean and feed him. For him to even be alive after not eating for so long is a miracle in itself. Out there in the elements this time of the year." The doctor shakes his head astounded. "He's a strong little guy. He will be able to take the feeding tube and not reject it." They begin rushing to work following his instructions. One preparing the tube that will provide him all the vitamins and nutrients he's been missing for near 48 hours. The other grabbing the products from the table that will bathe and clean him of his bites, cuts,and open wounds.

"Where was he found?" The nurse preparing the tube asks quietly.

"Middle of the road, northside Seattle...in a cardboard box. The fact he wasn't run over...this...this is a lucky kid." The doctor shakes his head as the tube is serialized and given to him. "Strong, lucky, but he isn't out of the woods yet."

"Poor thing..." The nurse cleaning him tsks shaking her head. "Don't worry little guy. We have you." She gently washes him as her touch lingers along a clear unaffected part of his little leg. "You'll be taken care of now."

Thank you. Thank you the first feeling of compassion. Until that point all I knew was pain. The pain of separation, abandonment, and being left for dead. Yes, merely a newborn I didn't understand but even now I sit here in my 23 years of age those were the identity issues I held. Some I even can feel now. Those were the painful reminders of a life that mattered to no one. Not enough to at least take me where I would be safe. Left for dead. Abandoned. These were my first hours upon this earth. I still hold in my collection the lab work and hospital records of my 3 week stay in the ICU. Death attempting to grip me time and time again only for me to fight back against its fingertips. My opponent seems to be one who has come back from the presumed dead. Fought his own battle through the casket and dirt into the light. He's a man that knows his betrayers. Has the knowledge of his wrongdoers and can enact his revenge accordingly. My question for him is, what comes of the man that has no target? No one to pin upon as the true cause of his dismay and his hardships...

Let me tell you...

He enacts his revenge upon EVERYBODY...my anger, my confusion, my pain...

All of you are my wrongdoers, all of you have left me for dead

And all of you will be welcomed to the power that is Gifted in turn I simply ask you to welcome me. Give me that compassion while I give you The Black Diamond.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Home of DeMarcus, JJ, Davi, and Maxwell Gresham
Los Angeles, CA

I am a Gifted man. A Gifted man with a Gifted family. I came from having no one, no legacy, no ties. My last name isn't even a name of personal lineage. I do not know my mother or father. I don't know of any siblings. I am not like any of you. I am a man with a clean slate. The ability to make his legacy as he sees fit with no previous ties or knowledge. It is a blessing and a curse but now I only see the blessings in my life as things have changed for the better ever since I began my career.

My wife, JJ Gresham, has blessed me with two sons. One, of my lions named Maxwell and my adopted eldest Davi that she had from a previous relationship. These changes in my life happened very rapidly but as a lone wolf in this walk of life to begin my own pride and to start my own family there aren't many other things in this world I value more. I work in the ring and I take pride in my name.

I was once an undefeated name among the mark of pro wrestling. My first defeat coming at the hands of the former PRIDE World Champion Sean Mendez Jr. Yes, a rookie that begun his career in July of 2014 didn't receive his first plight of defeat until May of the following year. I am one of the rising stars of this generation. EXODUS your owner heralds me and it's not for false reasons or lacking ability. He sees the future of wrestling in a man of my ability. A man as Gifted as I. The ring is by far the most comfortable of places for me whereas now I walk into my son's bedroom having to tell them the upcoming changes in our life as a family.

My 5 month old Maxwell lays quietly in his crib a stark contrast to what entails most days. My 5 year old son Davi sits in front of his TV screen playing Smash Brothers one of his favorites. I stood at the doorway watching him zone out on the match in awe of his growth. JJ is from Brazil and as such Davi's first language is Portuguese. As he's been transitioning with English he and his mother have been teaching me Portuguese. A beautiful language, hard to learn but beautiful. Davi's progression has been astounding since living here in the states and with the preschool's help he's already a step above many U.S. born children on his way to kindergarten. A gifted family...

"Son?" I ask walking into the room fully now taking his attention away from the television. Davi pauses the game before turning and smiling at me.

"Papa." He looks at the crib before looking back at me. "Maxie sleeping. He's been quiet." Davi says with a hint of relief in his voice. I'm not the only one that notices the decibels the youngest Gresham can reach.

I come to sit by his bed facing forward toward the television. "Yes. Quiet is good." I chuckle lightly before patting the space next to me. "Come here Davi. I wanted to speak to you about something."

Davi nods before turning down the audio on the television and as he was told comes to sit right next to me with an expectant look up on his face. "Sim papa?" 'Yes papa?' in his native tongue. I never want him or JJ to lose their heritage its one of the many reasons I'm come to learn Portuguese. I want them to hold on to everything they have that make them who they are. I want Maxwell to grow knowing his heritage all the same. I'm a blank sheet and have had to color my pages along my way in life. It's so much more beautiful to start with a colored canvas and to build upon it in my opinion.

"Davi, I want to let to you know that Daddy will be going away a little more often than usual for work." The dedication to my family is bolstered just as strong as the dedication to my career. My ability and work that I've done to get to this place in my life I want my family to continue to live well. I want to continue to perform at my peak ability in front of my fans and detractors. I want this life that I feel is meant for me. My first defeat was...enlightening. Many felt in my company of PRIDE that I was a man that walked around acting as though a loss would never find me. Like I was one who simply would be too Gifted to fail. I never said that nor portrayed that. In truth, I'm a man very confident in his abilities. I feel if you are not this isn't not the profession for you. That said the lost has brought me back to the bottom of PRIDE. Fighting tooth and nail to climb back into the first contender's spot for the World Championship. Along this road I've found need to extend my ties. To...as you say broaden my horizons. Doing so has brought me here to the Honor Cup but doing so will be putting something dear to me up as sacrifice.

Time, with my family...

"Are you leaving for another show? I have tournament Friday papa." Davi looks at me with a disappointing face. I can never let my little man down. Not like this.

"Yes, I will be leaving for another show but that will not be until Sunday. I will be working out in San Diego the next few days and then will come right back here for your chess tournament." I've been teaching him ever since he came into my life. One of the most mentally challenging games on this known earth. My son will know it well just as I do. "We will celebrate your progress on Friday and Saturday. Do all we can together before I leave Sunday because I will be gone longer than usual for the next few weeks."

Davi's face lights up hearing that I will be present for his tournament. I know he wants to do me proud but the fact after such a short time experiencing the game he's already willing to go up against others with confidence. That's Gifted, that's pride. That makes me a proud father.

"Are you wrestling more papa?" Astute of course. I nod in response to his question.

"Yes son. I am." I roll my wrists slightly feeling the effects of my lifting session earlier that day. "I am doing what I feel is best for me to learn and expand my ability. You know as they say practice makes perfect?"

Davi quietly nods.

"I'm simply getting in as much more practice as I can. To make sure what happened at Phenomenon never happens to me again." I felt so ready. It was my time. To watch it slip away and while fighting to the ends of the earth...it was so foreign to me. If I give any ounce of fight, I win. That's how it goes. I work therefore I'm Gifted. I'm Gifted because I work. For the first time that equation didn't work. I accepted it but at first I was just shocked. Rarely are things of worth easy. My wrestling career is already a grand example of that.

Davi notices my silence. "Papa, are you sad for losing that match against the crazy haired man?"

I smirk at my son's description of Sean Mendez Jr. It was true his hair appeared to rarely ever receive the benefits of a pick through. A mini-fro misguided and untamed the likes of a mini Sideshow Bob. "At first I was Davi. I really was. I felt that I failed you, your brother, and your mother. I failed Auntie Layna. All of our friends. Then I thought about it all." I pause trying to find the correct words to describe my feelings to my child. "You want to do your very best in your chess tournament on Friday correct?"

Davi nods. "Yes papa."

"I saw you earlier today practicing on the board and tablet figuring things out, practicing. That's exactly how I feel. I have to work even harder now because the first time around wasn't enough. I represent us. Our family, every time I step into the ring. We are Gifted. We are of a higher ability and you know why?"

"Because we work at it." Davi answers easily.

"Indeed. That is why I will come to my tournament and dominant in the Gifted fashion our family will forever be known for. I will represent our family and PRIDE accordingly because of that the best of me is deserved and given. That is why my absence will be more frequent son. I'm simply gaining through practice. I am looking to rejuvenate my climb and my standing. If I can win this tournament that's another chance to win a World Title. Similar to you winning the 1st place trophy."

Davi stands up from his bed. "If you are ree-jooo-veen-ated then I am too papa! I will win the 1st place and you will win titles from all over. Don't worry about being gone I will take care of mãe and irmão."

I smile proudly. He knows his position as my first mate. When daddy is gone he helps his mother with his little brother and takes care of the house. A title he's already become so comfortable in doing. He's 5 years old there are so many times I've looked at him and see someone beyond his years. I hug him and give him a kiss upon his forehead before standing to my 6'6" frame.

"Finish your game filho (son). I'll come back when it's time for bed." I smile looking at him as he rushes back to the game and unpauses it. Leaving me to walk toward my other son Maxwell sleep in his crib giving him a kiss also before leaving the room.

---

"It's not a matter of coming back from death...

it's a matter of what you do with rejuvenated life."

Salutations EXODUS Pro...

I figure introductions are only correct and as the only person to ever have a hand in raising me would state. "People of stature never ruin first impressions."

I am DeMarcus Antonio Gresham and I am one of the future in professional wrestling today. Not because I say so but because my actions will always prove those words. I am one of the top performers in PRIDE Pro Wrestling and I will proudly represent them here during my competition in the Honor's Cup. I have said numerous times to EXPro owner, Mr. Collins that I appreciate and am forever thankful for this opportunity. I have found myself under the need to push myself past my comfort zone. My yearning to get better with each match and every training session knowing that in his wisdom Mr. Collins approached me with the chance to do both. To get better expand my name and comfort zone and to become the man I know myself to be. A vanguard in the new generation of pro wrestling stars. With that in mind I come to Las Vegas with the task of defeating one named Vorace and not become the victim of an early out in this highly heralded tournament.

This, will be my first tournament ever in my professional career. I have not yet past my first full year in professional wrestling. In my first year I've beaten an icon, contended for the top pedestal in my company, I've won, I've lost, and I've learned many things. I bring that experience and knowledge to the EXODUS ring knowing that it will not return to me void because I have worked far too hard for any other result. I will not sit here and state that your are hearing from the man that will run roughshod over each of my opponents toward his rightful place as the winner of the Honor's Cup. I will not make guarantees that may or may not be kept. What I will say is that I am a Gifted man and with these gifts comes a few facts of reality. Things my opponent Vorace will do well to pay attention to.

I am not a man of weak conviction...when I apply to something I am dedicated, I am serious, and I am not here to waste anyone's time. These are traits Mr. Collins has found quite...shall I say 'honorable' in me. Do not get me wrong we are not coming into this looking to apply the fix...wait, allow me to restate. I am not here looking to apply any fixes or bolstering of his personal favorites. I cannot speak for him so I will not do so. I am here looking at a quarterfinal match the same as all the other tournament participants. We are coming not to lose. We are coming to maintain our winning ways. We are coming to try our luck at a chance at glory which I know for sure is something the current champion Chris Strike feels every morning he opens his eyes.

I am not a man of feeble mind. Vorace with your path and things you've been through I've also taken knowledge that you are one with mental stability. Sure, you do share the likes of the green goblin with that horrendous mask upon your face but it is what makes you. It is a part of your path, your struggle, and your guide to the place you are today. I will always appreciate a man of strong mind in our profession the mind games can be rather...lackluster and overdone. I only hope you do not fall into such a category.

Lastly, I am a man of tenacity. The only reason why I stand before you as your upcoming opponent is because I didn't allow circumstances or elements take me from this world. I didn't allow them to make me feel as if I was not worthy of my place. I have never allowed them to take my true title in this world as a Gifted man. My mental superiority is only backed more by my lack of care or compassion inside of that ring. You, will come to realize that is something very hard to deal with. Will you be able to handle? Perhaps, but that would make you a member of a select few.

Excuse me, a few is saying too much...

Only one person can at this point say they've come into the ring with Gifted able to walk away with his hand raised in the throes of success. One...in the near year of my professional career. Whereas you Vorace have already come to EXODUS with an mark upon your loss column. Does that tell me everything I need to know about you? Far from it. What it does tell me is that even within a tag match you are already being found lackluster in a place that can afford you no passage.

What do I mean? Well as any student of my profession I've taken the time to look into this 'Lion' among men. The mask is your shelter, your warped voice is your comfort. Any man who cannot come as he is amongst his peers is hiding something and much more I find it to not be of 'honor' as our tournament shall advertise.

You, are a lost one. Physically...emotionally...spiritually. Due to this you are latching on to all you can praying you regain the feel that life that has eluded for you. How? How do I make these claims? What gives me the right to speak on such issues? It's quite simple you see...

Actions kind sir, always speak louder and in my Gifted fashion there's always been one thing I've done well. Observe.

I observe a man named Vorace hiding his features behind a mask and after being betrayed once by his constituents he willingly panders his services to a 'family'...as though betrayal didn't almost give him death. Foolish...foolish indeed. A man that is given viable reason not to trust willing walks into the hands of another. Vorace you are more than a fool, you are a glutton for punishment. These things I far from truly care about but they are notes I take with me along with the EXODUS taping of 'The War Isn't Over Yet' retraining myself upon your field of moves and tells. The mindset can tell a lot about a man and the body will surely follow. You cast away these concepts as if revenge is all you know yet found comfort in another momentarily on live television. This then failing on your proposed effort for revenge against one deemed the Magician. Tell me Vorace with so many tells in your actions should I really fear what your have in your hand? Are you holding one of the few classic full houses or are you attempting to sound dangerous with only a pair of jacks in your possession?

No Vorace, you are no man to fear. You aren't an enigma lacking compassion.

You are a man who's been betrayed and cannot find his place in the world. Left for dead without rejuvenation. Allow me to show you what a real man does with purpose and drive with their second chance...

and you can continue to be the failure of your supposed family.

[END]