When I was seven years old, my Grandfather died. No, I'm not trying to tell you this because I want sympathy or anything of that sort. In fact, I am almost glad that he passed away, as he was suffering with cancer. Also, without his death, I would have never gotten into magic. A fact that is sad, but true.
When I stayed at my Grandmother's house for the funeral, I noticed an old gray suitcase in the corner of the room I was sleeping in. I asked my Grandmother if I could open it, and with her agreement, I did. Inside, was the materials that would change my life -a few decks of old Bee cards, a first edition copy of EXPERT AT THE CARD TABLE, and a few of my Grandfather's old tapes that he used to listen to. First, I dusted off the book, and asked my Dad to read it to me. He began reading it to me, but then said that it was "too advanced" for me. Now we all know that at age seven, if a parent says that to you, it makes you even more determined to do the thing you're told you cannot. Limitations are unreal at that age. So I began reading the book, and hardly understood it, but I did understand that it was about a man who cheated at cards, and in the book, were techniques of cheating that man used. I asked my Grandmother if my Grandfather cheated at cards, and she said he didn't, though, he always loved cards and card magic. I then asked her if he ever did any tricks, and she said no, he would always stay in his room or in the living room doing these "funny shuffles and flips" with the cards by himself.
Being seven years old, my natural curiosity wanted to learn more about this secretive practice (as we know, all seven year old's love secrets and learning). So, I convinced my parents to take me to the library when we got home from my Grandparents' house, and pick up some magic books. The books I got (I cannot recall the names of these right now) were simple beginner magic books, and I learned my first tricks from these books. I began doing the effects to myself all the time - so much so that my parents began to worry about me and my social life. That was when my parents began to limit the amount of time I spent with cards, thimbles, coins...etc. Though, I wasn't about to let my parents dictate how much time I could spend doing something I loved. So, I began to follow in my Grandfather's footsteps, by practicing in secret. When I went back to school, I'd practice at recess. At lunch, I'd practice. Heck, I'd practice whenever I could. The teachers were always wondering what I was doing, but when they asked, I just said "playing games," for at that time, I didn't realize that magic was a performance art - I still believed it to be a secret, between my grandfather and me.
In fact, I didn't realize that magic was a performance art until I was 12, and in middle school, when I saw another kid do (lousy) card tricks to our peers. "What the heck is he doing?" I thought to myself - showcasing the secretive art! So I asked him. It turns out, his dad was a magician, who worked locally, and he said that I could come over sometime and talk about the art with him and his dad. I took up the offer, and showed his Dad (Bill) and him (Joesph) some magic that I had been working on (they were other magicians, so I knew that I wasn't breaking any rules). Bill said that the tricks I was performing were fantastic, and he even invited me to a magic show he was doing at a restaurant that night. I went, and saw how much people loved Bill's magic, and how cunning and creative Bill himself was (I specifically remember him stealing someone's watch, and loading a card in another person's pocket). I knew I had to begin performing too, and with the support from Bill, I did. The next morning, I showed my parents a card trick, and they were absolutely stunned. They actually encouraged me to continue the art of magic, and said that they would never limit my time of practice again, as long as I kept up with my schoolwork. (I know that sounds like a "too good to be true" story, but really, it is true.) Overjoyed, I began performing at school as well. I suddenly became more social, made new friends, and began to enjoy school, magic, and life, more than ever.
When I went up to the High-School, I met another magician (who was a senior, while I was a freshman) who told me about living by deception, not just doing standard routines all the time. He taught me to load cards in other students' backpacks, and come up with clever comebacks to hecklers.
Inspired by him, I now live by deception. For example, I get on a bus, show the driver an outdated pass (don't worry, I have the proper one in my other pocket) and casually walk by the driver, knowing that if I keep my cool, he will too. Everything I do now is living by standards of magic and deception. Magic to me is more than just a hobby, it's a way of life.
Now, comes the worst part of the story. I was still a freshman when I logged onto Facebook and saw that my idol (the Senior in high school, named Phil) had passed away in a car accident. He was rear-ended by a drunk driver. I had seen Phil only two days ago, and he was talking to me about how the only thing on his bucket list was go to a magic convention. Unfortunately, that dream was shattered along with his life. I myself was devastated, and upset at the world, and wished that what the news broadcasters / Facebookers were saying was just deception. Sadly, this was not the case. I don't know what kind of religious beliefs everyone here has, and I don't care either, but wherever Phil is now, I hope he is content.
I myself have never been to a magic convention either, because neither I nor my family has ever had enough money to send me to one When I read this thread on Theory11, I knew right away I had to enter this competition. I had to at least try. Not only for myself, but out of respect for Phil and his wishes. I want to carry out his dream that he can no longer carry out. His beautiful, exciting, wish of attending a magic convention. Winning this contest will probably be the only opportunity I may ever have to fulfill both Phil's dream and my own. Opening my Grandfather's old box was the first life-changing experience. I know Magic-Con would be the second.
Whether I win this contest or not, I still want to believe that one day, I will attend a magic convention, for the sake of both me and my teacher/idol, Phil Motsay (1990-2008).
Thank you for considering me as an entry to the Theory11 Magic-Con 2010 contest.
With love and respect,
-GJ