About This Book
When I was 21 years old, my mother passed away. She’d been suffering from Multiple Sclerosis for most of my life and I’d been her caregiver for years. Even though I knew her death was coming, it didn’t make losing her any easier. It didn’t make finding her any less of a shock. That day started my change towards how I view the world and the way I view myself.
In many ways, it was the worst day of my life and that’s saying something, because when I was a child, a man shot both my parents eight times at our home. They miraculously survived, but my father was paralyzed and my mother’s MS became progressively worse in the aftermath and she was also paralyzed soon after. I struggled as a child emotionally, mentally, and even physically at times and never seemed to productively get over the grief. I had chronic nightmares and was an unhappy child who had seen and experienced far too much negativity. I was angry, saddened, and eventually shook my fist at God. My mother passed away at the young age of 48. At that point in my life, I knew I was at a crossroad. I decided to do what my mom would want me to do. She would want me to live life to the fullest, appreciate God’s blessings, and lift up others each and every day.
I went on to finish college and started teaching in the inner city of Toledo and eventually became a school counselor, a principal, and a college professor. My graduation for my doctoral degree fell on Mother’s Day. Though I was in tears during much of the ceremony, I knew my mom was proud. After 18 years in education, I opened a wellness center and began coaching others on an individual basis as well as on a large scale through my motivational speaking career. I have embraced God and have learned to trust in His will. I love my community and helping others find joy, peace and contentment.
Though I was on the right track, I realized I did not have it all figured out when I met Becky Carr, a woman who kept me grounded and made me realize that I still have work to do when it comes to having unwavering faith. Becky is a woman who walks this earth as a ray of sunshine. She is a light that reminds me of my mother. Both women never wavered in their faith; both believed in the power of positivity, gratitude, and perspective. Shortly after becoming close with Becky, she received terrible news. News we will discuss later in this book. Becky could have been resentful and angry and instead, she was fearless. She took my current inspiration to encourage and empower others in the eyes of their adversity to the next level. This is why we wanted to write this book-where you will meet Becky. We hope you will also be inspired and strengthened to handle challenges you may be facing currently or during any future difficult seasons ahead.
