“My grandson keeps me going. He’s 15. All three of us are just alike. We’ve got the same ways and everything. He’s doing good in school and he’s got life plans. Me and my son didn’t plan our lives. He wants to be one of those big-time lawyers. He’s smart, smarter than I ever was. I just didn’t apply myself. At that age, me and my son started going through what we went through – bad times, made the wrong choices. Now, my son is doing good. I’m doing better. Me and my son both want for him to carry out what he’s got planned.” – Gene Thresh of Sylacauga.

Gene Thresh has high hopes for his grandson and his future. (Tamika Moore / People of Alabama)

He says his grandson Chris is his biggest inspiration.

Gene Thresh said he didn’t always make the best choices in life but is optimistic about future generations of his family. (Tamika Moore / People of Alabama)

These are the faces and stories of people from all walks of life who call Alabama home. People of Alabama is a Red Clay Media and Alabama NewsCenter partnership.