How do you tell someone the realty of how complex your life has been. How do you reveal yourself at a deeper level to friends, partners, current and future family members without causing them to banish you to the no Christmas card list. Of course I wonder what people will think, of course I wonder how my reality will impact their opinion of me, of course I suspect they will judge my clumsy past transgressions as merit of my future choices. Regardless I will never forget how far I have come and how hard I had to work to get here today.
On this journey I have determined there are two types of people in the world, those who put their not so perfect history in a neat little box, set it carefully on the basement floor and place a dragon next to the box to forever protect it's contents and those who dig deep into those not so perfect histories looking for answers, lessons and the power to overcome the past. I am choosing the latter and forever banish the former from my life. I have expereinced a good deal of struggle in my short life and have seen even more in my role as a foster parent, domestic violence advocate and court appointed special advocate (CASA) for children. Each of these roles has shapped my vision of how incredible the power of the human spirt is to overcome. They are my inspiration for providing children with the tools they require to navigate their own lives and overcome and perserve against all the odds.
To serve and protect is not reserved for only the armed forces or the law. It is a role we choose to play. My great- grandfather came from Germany and as a sheriff he served and protected the people. My grandfather served in the war and my grandmother was involved in politics and education. I am the living legacy of those who have come before me and I will not fail to take the same vow to serve and protect.
In my role to serve and protect I have founded a non-profit to teach children self respect and resiliance. To teach empathy and respect for others. Without those things our ability to protect ourselves greatly limits our capacity to serve and protect others.
Visit Prevention As A Cure at www.preventionasacure.org
