Happy Birthday, Jamila

Today is a very challenging day for me. This would have been my daughter's twenty-third birthday had she not been taken away from me, her family and friends. My only child was a homicide victim in 2004. Coping with such a tragic loss has been indescribably difficult. All of the circumstances have yet to be disclosed as the court case has yet to go before a trial judge and jury. Whatever the reason, we must face this challenge and continue to move forward. I try not to linger on the anger and pain as that is not the way Jamila would want me to live. While I am still very passionate about certain issues, I am also much slower to anger. I do cherish life so much more now that I have been reminded of it's uncertainty and fragility. One day at a time. Love conquers all. Continue to be Blessed and a blessing to others. Ashe'. © VANESSA BYERS, 2005 , Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Deaths, Family