Format the following passage properly, for storytelling purposes. Keep it as written, don't change a single word, but improve grammar where necessary.

"In rap tournaments, I reign permanent / Don't you know that by now, the number one spot, I'm not concerned with it?" This KRS-One quote played in my head on a loop while I showered this morning. Some out there will already know this, but for those who don't, it comes from "Step Into A World," arguably his most famous record in terms of social impact (with "Sound of Da Police" coming a close second). By the time it came out, as a single from his third solo album "I Got Next," KRS had been a hip-hop veteran for more than a decade. He had seen his star rise with Boogie Down Productions, fall as the trends in rap changed, and rise again when he discovered his niche and purpose as a soloist. The song, which interpolates Blondie's "Rapture," features a rejuvenated KRS reflecting on his place in the culture, paying homage to the traditions of the 'old-school' emcees who paved the way for him, and challenging those who feel they have something to prove to try and test their skills against his. From his first line--"I'm 'bout to hit you with that traditional style of cold rocking"--he shows he is here not to fade into the background but take center stage. He rhymes with passion and purpose, and when you listen to the way he speaks, you can tell he believes every word. You may not agree with everything he says, and indeed, he has stirred controversy from the beginning of his career--from his promotion of the idea that Jesus was black, to expressing happiness upon learning of Richard Nixon's death, to the infamous "mmmm, justice" comment when the planes hit the World Trade Center on 9/11--but he expresses his views with such conviction that the words will stay in your mind long after you have heard them for the first time. Indeed, KRS' power of communication is so phenomenal that my very subconscious was paid a visit by a few of those words this morning, hence what you are reading at the moment. As a young KRS lived in a group home for a while, he has become more of an inspiration to me as of late than he had ever been before. He has been through the hardest of hard knocks and come out stronger. The same could be said for my friend Pat, with whom I shared some of my recent writing the previous day. Several hours later--and, in fact, only a few minutes before our lunch break arrived--he sent me an email, letting me know he had read through my "reasoned and heartfelt, angst-ridden lament" multiple times, trying to grasp what is going on in my life. I can't help but smile upon learning that he has read through the piece more than once, and realize I must have done something right, because he wouldn't have just done it to be kind; after all, he is a busy man with a lot of things on his plate. Selfishly, by his own admission--though I think it is more in the spirit of grateful remembrance than selfishness--he recognized that he lives a blessed life, and reflects on the fact that he has eight siblings who are all still alive. He acknowledged that there was trauma in his childhood, but that he was still well cared for by his parents, and especially his father. I wish a caring childhood for every person in this world, and I am deeply grateful that Pat got to enjoy it; we may never know how much different his outlook on life would be had he not been afforded this. It's possible he may not have become an actor. Maybe he would not have been so gracious to me had we still crossed paths. Some of the kindest people are surrounded by familial kindness in the formative years. For others, kindness is forged out of tremendous struggles. His father lived to the ripe old age of 91, outliving his mother by almost twenty-seven years. While he says his mother-in-law never seemed to like him much, his father-in-law has been much kinder; they keep in touch by email communication, which primarily consists of news updates and a page or two of jokes suitable for a man his age. (He will turn 100 on September 11th of this year, if it is God's will.) Pat says that he is probably not the best person to easily relate to what I am going through in my daily life. I am just glad someone cares enough to listen, no matter who they are or what they have gone through, or how they perceive the world. He tells me he is honored to be on the receiving end of my respect and affections via our "mutual passion for creative expression through writing." I see so much of his style in my own, and this may be part of where this respect comes from. He is the Sheng Long to my Ryu--or to put it more accurately, a Ken who wants to be a Ryu, and strives to be more disciplined, reflective, meditative. He told me he felt "reassured that when it became time to compose an expressive release" of thoughts and emotions to the CNAs, I possess "the skills to do so in a respectful and restrained manner." My only regret was not sharing more about the circumstances that led to me being here at Joshua House. (Of course, I strove to rectify this with a response email.) Pat encouraged me to keep writing, and noted it is "a productive personal therapy that costs little and can deliver rich emotional rewards." He observed that the world "craves the reassurance provided by stories of the inspirational victory of the heart and soul over seemingly insurmountable circumstances," and said he is looking forward "to receiving [his] signed copy in person someday. That would be a day, wouldn't it?" Yes, it would. Thank you, Pat. Looking back on what I spoke about yesterday, I have come to realize it is a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situation, like most of the circumstances we'll endure in this existence. If I don't stand up for myself, I will be taken advantage of. If I am too forceful in doing so others will be fearful. But having lost the safety net of having my parents, I have no choice but to live with confidence and courage. I have to fight for what I have, and speak up for myself. Almost none of the other clients are able to self-advocate, and I see firsthand how many of them are taken advantage of and mistreated. If I don't use my voice, I lose my choice. Though I am relatively high functioning for an autistic man, there are certain challenges I still face, such as not having a driver's license (there is nothing saying I won't have one in the future, of course). Writing has been a way for me to reflect and escape, and I'm deeply grateful for the encouraging and honest words I have received from others. Knowing those who are in my corner, I will continue to write, with all my soul. Things aren't all bad; I have made many friends, and still get to enjoy some of life's luxuries. Along with my many hobbies, that gives me strength to keep going when I feel like throwing in the towel. I do not know how long I will be here, or even if I will ever get out. But as long as possible, I will do my best. Just as Pat was able to reflect on his blessings, I take a moment to do the same. I realize my roof is not leaking. I had breakfast not too long ago, and can look forward to two more meals and a snack. I am surrounded by people, all of whom have their own stories to share, and I try to be as best of a listener as I can be. In all honesty, that's all I ever wanted out of life: three meals a day, a roof that doesn't leak, and people to share my life with. Anything else beyond that is a tremendous bonus. God never stopped being good. A lot of people stopped being grateful. And perhaps I was one of them.