Never apologize for being real

I've had the unique experience of being in the public eye advocating for the underserved in our society. This role wasn't something I sought out. It found me because of my son's struggles with a substance use disorder.

​What isn't understood by many is that I had to be fierce, strong, and courageous, while trying to remain tender, soft, and fragile as my son slowly died in front of my eyes.

Any parent will tell you that watching their child struggle and knowing you cannot help is the worst kind of pain. It's a pain that sits on your heart and weighs it down. It's a pain that makes you want to stay in bed, but you can't because you know they need you. It's a pain that makes you barter with God and plead for him to take your life instead. 

While advocating you gain supporters and you gain the opposite of supporters. Regardless of which group anyone was in, they always got to see the real, honest, and transparent me. One doesn't have time for mind games while trying to help the underserved.

I have zero regrets for my 11 years of standing by my son's side and being the voice for him and others who are underserved by society. This freedom allows me to continue to be unapologetically real as I fulfill my life's purpose. <3