Yesterday! Today! Tomorrow?
My Yesterday: Moving constantly when the rent is due.
Lights and water cut off for lack of payment. Sent to a
babysitter that touched me and made me do adult things for
food…5 years old at the start. Drugs, mental and sexual
abuse, neglect, demeaning remarks. Attempted suicide in my
view. Saw it! Lived it! Survived it all!
My Today: My daughters are grown and my grandson is a
handful…but I’m happy. I learned from my father to never
depend on a man to guide, lead, or protect me. From my
mother, I learned that I can do all things through Christ
because he is my real strength and that whatever I start,
finishing is the real accomplishment. These same lessons
were instilled in my daughters by example throughout my
marriage, divorce, and today. Knowing my strengths and
weaknesses, I see them in my girls. I’m very proud to be
called momma and nanny because I know that I am an
example of strength and faith for my children regardless of
my failed steps, falls and/or blatant faithless acts of defiance.
I am a teacher till the day I die. Eighteen years as an educator
has brought me tears of sadness and joy, pride and concern.
My Wish for All: To all women; I say, don’t let life’s
hardships, traumatic experiences, and failures keep you from
fulfilling Gods plan for your life. Use them to spur you forth
and strengthen your resolve to be a beacon of hope for those
who experience similar or equivalent events. Give God the
praise when you make it through and let others know that He
is the reason you smile today.
Carole “Neicie” Brooks
Master Educator
Master of Arts in Learning and Behavior Disorders
Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy
Photo Credit: Tyrone Burroughs
Curves for a Cause | 17