Recently, I experienced a moment that felt nothing short of miraculous, and I want to share it with the world. I believe that when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create space for others to feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Being vulnerable takes courage—the courage of a lion—so here I go…
When I was just two years old, my brothers and I entered the foster care system. It was a confusing, scary time, but it was also the beginning of a journey that would shape me in ways I couldn’t yet understand. Not long after, our father regained custody of us. For a moment, it felt like a return to normalcy. But a few years later, he looked me in the eye and said, “I can’t do this.”
For the record, I have forgiven both of my parents. They did the best they could with what they knew, with what they had. I’ve come to understand that sometimes, love isn’t enough to fix every circumstance.
My childhood was a patchwork of homes and caregivers. It was unstable, unpredictable, and often lonely. Yet, it also gave me glimpses of resilience. By the age of fifteen, I made the decision to start living independently and take control of my life. Before then, I was blessed to have a series of remarkable people who sheltered me, loved me, and gave me moments of stability for as long as they could.
Those people, along with the experiences of feeling alone, lost, and unloved, shaped the strong, resilient woman I am today. They taught me lessons no classroom ever could: empathy, courage, and the quiet power of perseverance. On this journey, I’ve realized something profound—you never truly know the battles someone else is fighting. That’s why it’s so important never to judge. One day, you might walk in their shoes.
At the core of it all, love is what unites us as humans. Even if you don’t believe that, it’s okay. Every single one of us wants to be loved, to love, to feel enough.
I could go on and on about these lessons… but I’ll share the moment that sparked this reflection: recently, a woman who fostered one of my brothers found me on Facebook. She sent me photographs from my childhood—memories I didn’t even know existed—and she told me how proud she is of me. I can’t even begin to describe how powerful those words were. They reminded me that kindness, even small acts, leave lasting impacts.
I know that some people dislike my positive outlook. They are unsettled by my joy, my happiness, and the way I’ve embraced my life. Some have tried to hurt me, to make my journey harder, assuming I’ve never known pain or struggle. Perhaps in their eyes, kindness seems like weakness. But here’s the truth: we all know pain and struggle. I will never claim to be a victim—I am the master of my own destiny.
To those who have tried to dim my light, I forgive you. Truly. I hope and pray that whatever demons you are wrestling with, you will find peace and strength. I will always wish the best for you.
From the little girl who once felt unwanted to the woman who knows that, simply by being a child of God, she is always loved—I stand tall. I am never alone. I am enough.
Life is a beautiful, unpredictable adventure. And I am ready. Watch me FLY.
These are pictures of two of my brothers and me as children, and one of my own child and me today—a testament to love, resilience, and growth.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. Remember this: you are loved. You are enough. Never forget that. Ever.
