A Time to reflect.....

I've been in Georgia going on three years.. Wow, I made it. I know that many people thought I wouldn't make it and that I'd go back home BUT the night we packed up the car and the last of my shoe boxes were packed onto the moving truck, I bid a goodbye to the East Coast and I'll see you when I see you...

Up until the week I transitioned from Boston to my Mother's house, I was still working as a Youth Worker for the City of Boston. Not only was I doing my Youth Work but duty called for me to wear my Post Traumatic Grief hat as well. We were called into Dorchester to help the family and the community deal with the senseless slaying of a young mom to three small children. She was shot in the head upon returning from choir rehearsal( her home church was literally around the corner). She was killed in front of her 3 young children, steps away from her grandmother's porch. I had dealt with a number of murders, some being close( children right from my program) however, this one hit me quite differently. I too am a mother. for about a week or 2, leading up to the funeral and burial we provided services and support to the family. Helping others in their time of need has always been my call in life. We helped with the basic PTS needs of the family( helping them grieve, setting them up with counseling, connecting them with the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and the final step, contacting a funeral home and receiving money from the Victims of Relief Fund( if needed).

This young mother had alot going for. You see, what the media feed the community is not always the truth. We sat with her family hours on end just talking about Yanna. Not only that, but she was friends with my cousins and her children's father was a friend from high school. Up until the day of the service, we were readily available for the family with any thoughts, questions or needs they had.

Upon my relocation, I vowed to keep in contact with the family and I have kept my word.

As reflect on my journey and the twists and turns it has taken, its becoming full circle and I'm appreciating the woman I always was just didn't know how to fully embrace.

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, " To whom much is given much is required", that has rang in my ears for a number of years now and yesterday as I sat and listened to my Pastor teach/empower/preach I had an "Ahhh Haaaa" moment. Like I previously stated, I'm embarking upon my 3rd year in the good ole state of Ga and I can count on one hand how many people have been to visit or check up on my family and I. I must admit, it hurt because you know how people say, "Oh I'll keep in touch" and they never do?? It kinda put me in a position where I said, " the hell with me running to Boston". But, as God's words thru Pastor Murph were spoken, He said( and I quote) " The Lord is with YOU and he did not bring YOU this far to leave you".. He also said, sometimes its not that people don't care but they know deep down that you're okay and that you'll be ok. When the favor of the LORD is upon you, you're already protected. So, don't become upset when people are not checking on you, it's okay because God's favor is already upon you... WHEW, that spoke volumes to me and my life.

So, as I've taken moments every now and again to reflect on MY life, I can honestly say, It's been all good!! May not have everything I want right now BUT I have everything I NEED. As I keep growing, living, serving and selflessly giving of what I have, my time and talents my blessings are closer than I could EVER imagine.. It's funny, I always knew what I was meant to do in life was bigger than me being in Massachusetts and I'm thankful that I stepped out of my comfort zone into the unknown. It's been a tough ride some days but all in all the ride has been smoother than I could imagine~

Take sometime to reflect, you never know how RICH you truly are until you stop and just say Thank you....

Signed,
I'm Rich....