My Yoke Hasn't Always Been Easy
by
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FOREWORD By Rev. Dr. Dennis V. Proctor
Dr. Harry Cartwright is a true renaissance man. This story is about a person, but it also chronicles a sojourn of a people. Close your eyes, change the names and this story becomes a prototype for millions who, "have come over away that with tears has been watered!" What makes this story unique is that Harry Cartwright did not just come over, but he has over come.
From a family of eleven children, the character traits of hard work, depravation and relocation, were a means to survival. But, with the added graces of faith, focus and follow through, Harry shows us unequivocally that "it’s not where you’re from, but where you’re coming from," that makes the decisive difference in life.
Reading these pages led me from laughter to tears, as the unmistakable movement from boyhood to manhood ensued. Some contemporary sage has suggested that the only difference between boys and men, is the price of their toys. What transpires however, when the game of life gives you tools and not toys? When every place, is a new piece in an ever evolving puzzle of unimaginable consequence?
Whether marching for Uncle Sam or mentoring his siblings on the Eastern Shore, it is clear that Harry’s steps have been ordered by the Lord. I am not sure if it’s the military training, or his tenacious militance towards obstacles that keep him smiling through a storm, but he does it!
This story will encourage, encompass, enliven the hearts of those who walk through these pages. I recommend it highly for those who are in a storm, come through a storm, or on their way into a storm, because the lesson of this life, gives new credence to the words of the spiritual:
"Encourage my soul, and let us journey on,
Through the night is dark, and I am far from home.
Thanks be to God, the morning light appears--
the storm is passing over-- Aalleluiah!"
Accepting the Things I Can Not Change
God, Grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can,
and the WISDOM to know the difference.
Nineteen hundred and eighty six was one of the toughest years I can remember. For example, in January 1986, I lost my brother and friend who was only four years younger than I. In July 1986, my wife and I separated and eventually divorced. In October of 1986, I lost my sister and friend who was only two years older than I. What was so unique about 1986 is that I was in my second year in the doctoral program at The Florida State University (which was kicking my butt). I truly believe the most devastating event was the resolution of my marriage (two weeks prior to my final examination in statistics, which I naturally flunked). I had hoped this marriage (my third one) would be a success. In addition, I was having a difficult time with my immediate supervisor, mainly because of her own insecurity. For example, each time I would schedule a class for four or five o’clock, she would call some kind of unnecessary meeting, in an attempt to deter me from completing my Ph.D. Thanks be to God, four years later I successfully completed my degree.
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About the Book
This is a parable of an African-American male who grew up basically poor on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Nevertheless, through my faith in God and proper guidance from family, church, teachers, and friends; I was able to overcome many adversities and learn to live a righteous and prosperous life. In this book, I use many Biblical principles that have helped me succeed in life and to show others how they too can use these Biblical principles in their every day struggles. I leave myself open to scrutiny by revealing some of my darkest moments in hope that by casting light on my own personal struggles, I can illuminate a path of redemption for others.
About the Author
After graduating from high school, Dr. Cartwright, Sr. joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps and served for six years as an Advanced Medical Specialist. After being discharged from the Army, he attended the University of Pennsylvania Hospital Respiratory Care program and became a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a BS Degree in Vocational Education and became an educator in respiratory care. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Master’s Degree in Allied Health. He graduated from The Florida State University with a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Health Education Administration. Dr. Cartwright was an educator and therapist for the past twenty-five years. Dr. Cartwright stopped teaching in 1996 and now is president of MeduCon, Inc.; an independent health education and management consultant firm.