Lenford Mawell Thompson was born in the island of Jamaica on May 17, 1985, to Linford Thompson and Faith Brown. His years of childhood in the small village of Joe Hut, Trelawny, were pleasant, surrounded by his large extended family and his younger sister, Kadesja Thompson. He attended Freeman's Hall Primary School and at the age of 9, Lenford, Kadesja, and their parents migrated to the United States. His first days in America could be described in two words: culture shock. He was lost, everything seemed congested, and everyone spoke a sort of English he had never heard before. However, as time progressed, Lenford adapted to his surroundings and eventually was Americanized. His love for poetry and writing ironically was found in summer school, after failing his eleventh-grade English class. His summer school teacher introduced him to his favorite poet, Langston Hughes, and he immediately fell in love with his art form. Lenford then began writing stories and poetry and sharing with friends, family, and his church congregation. They all loved his work and would always ask for more. One of Lenford's dearest friends, whom he looks up to as an older sister, Carleen Richards, suggested that he turn his poetry into music, thus discovering another passion of Lenford's and a deeper creativity from within. His music has touched many hearts and, at times, has brought people to tears. At the age of 17, Lenford was diagnosed with depression and taking antidepressants to get through each day. Though his depression still remains as an everyday struggle, in everything he does, he leans on God. His faith has brought him to where he is today as well as his family. Lenford decided to write this book to share his story and inspire someone with his words.
