When people hear what I have faced in my life their jaw usually hits the floor. The most common reaction that I get is disbelief that I served prison time, lost both of my children, abandoned by my partner of over a decade, and returned to nothing. It has not been an easy journey without my children. In all honesty the pain came very close to pushing me to give up. The anchor that kept me sane and gave me the hope to continue forward I called Dad. He always reminded me that “its ok to be not ok”. The safe judgement free space he provided has made my reality gray. I realized my dad, with his confidence in redemption, was the colors of my world. With my compass gone and realizing I am completely alone, coupled with the tremendous loss I have already endured would be enough to break anyone. I took a different perspective to the reality I am now living. I choose to be the color in the lives of the people around me. In the most tumultuous time of my life, ironically, I have found peace, empathy, and love that radiates through me. I realize that things happen and the way we react is our choice. I choose to stay positive and lift people up even when I am shattered, and my world is gray.

“Make Memories with your moments”