This conversation matters:

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I told my story about my son to have a conversation and just make people aware that this is still happening. A lady sent me an email. I asked her if I could share her story and she said yes. I won’t post her name or the email because it’s private. She told me in an email about her story. At first, I’m not gonna lie it made me mad because I could never do or get away with what she was saying. So let me tell you some of her story. This lady comes from wealth and she has never had an issue with the police or people of color. She states that her cleaning service is people of color. But then she goes on to tell me that one of her sons had started acting out in middle school. And she just felt like boys will be boys. So one day the police comes to her house because her son was caught smoking a joint. He was giving a good talking to brought home by the police. The police state that he’s a good kid just being a curious boy that’s all. The lady then states as her son got older the more trouble he got into. In college, he was arrested for domestic violence and was taken to jail. Of course, the matter was handled privately and the girl retracted her story. To make a long story short this lady and her husband have spent more money than necessary to keep their son out of jail. But in the end, you can only do so much as a parent. She goes on to state that she got tired of trying to protect the family imagine and not be embarrassed by her son. Her son is now in jail and after hearing my story about my son she realizes her privilege. My son has never been in trouble and now this incident happened. It hurt me to hear that even though her son did some things that my son would have been in jail for, for years. It made me realize that as a nation we have to do better. If you commit a crime it’s doesn’t matter how much money you have. You need to do time. We allow criminals of all races to roam the streets, but if I was wealthy this conversation would have never been had. I asked her what was she teaching her child at that moment? That no matter what you did mom and dad would bail you out? She told me she never thought about that until it was too late. It’s never too late to teach a child the differences between right and wrong. No matter your financial status. She told me that she has gone on to help others that have done no wrong and were convicted because of color. I told her I’m happy to hear that but we need more people to stand up for change. This world is not one color and we all need to do a better job of being fair across the board. I have heard so many stories like this that it has made me sick to my stomach. One day change will come but we have to start now.

Let’s talk:

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There are some things on my mind that I want to share with you. I have never been asked what I felt was best for this world and I’ve never walked in anyone else’s shoes. But one thing I do know about me is that I have compassion and I know what it’s like to have a little and have a lot. If I had children going back to school this fall I honestly couldn’t send my child back. Well, I do have a college student who will be attending class online this fall. But I honestly feel like especially living in Texas that this isn’t something that I could do to my child, teachers, and staff. So for me, it would be online learning. I know that some parents won’t agree with me but this is just my personal opinion. Secondly, the virus is spreading like wildfire and I personally believe that if we do shut down again that it will help stop the spread of this virus. But let me be clear if I was in charge and people who already lost their jobs and people who would be losing their jobs would get weekly unemployment benefits. Plus people who work from home or are essential workers would get extra pay as well. But since no one asked me my opinion I’m just giving you my two cents. I want everyone to be and stay healthy. I feel like too many people are dying and that hurts me. We need to start caring about one another more. Care about other people more. And I feel like people in power really don’t get the little people. We vote because we want and need change, but once people are in office they forget they were just like us once. So what are your opinions or two cents I would love to know?

Pep talk:

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Hello vulnerability, it’s me. I’m trying to be more transparent. I’m trying to trust people more. Look I have come a long way and I’m doing better. I have let down my guard and I’m doing better. I use to have a trust issue and didn’t want to speak up for myself. Hello me it’s time for a change. It’s time for you to be you and love out loud. It’s okay to trust with your whole heart and if someone breaks that trust then it’s okay. That doesn’t mean you did something wrong. You’re going to get it wrong but your human. You’re not going to have all the answers and you won’t understand the actions of others, but don’t stop being you. Let your guard down, be vulnerable, trust and live out loud. Girl, you have more power then you think. You are someone that people want to get to know. Laugh, love and be the light others need to see in this world. Stop letting doubts and other’s judgment stop you. Know that your awesome and you bring joy to others. So keep smiling and have a great day.

Note to younger self:

This is my birthday month and as I reflect on getting older there are things I wish I could have told my younger self. Enjoy being you, you are so unique and genuine. Don’t let others determine your worth. Know that your beauty comes from within. You set your own standard don’t let the world set it for you. Be okay with not knowing everything and being able to help everyone. Make sure you focus on your dreams just as much as others are focused on there’s. You’re going to make mistakes but learn from them and grow. It’s okay to help people but make sure you’re helping yourself in the long run. Save money and don’t be so quick to give it away to others. Have fun and be goofy. Your smile will light up a room. Don’t worry about what others are doing or what they think about you. You are the best version of you. Keep your head up and know that you are loved. But more than anything dream, dream and dream some more. You got this girl.