“It’s not about how you start; it’s about how you finish”

The pain of losing a child transcends mere loss; it is a profound trauma that touches every facet of my being. My experience, paralleling the narrative in Losing Isaiah, where Halle Berry’s character faces systemic bias, reflects not just personal grief but a broader sociological and psychological struggle, deeply intertwined with intersectionality and critical race theory.

Traumatically, the separation from Elizabeth is devastating. The shock of losing a child is profound, but when this loss is compounded by systemic injustice, it deepens the emotional and psychological impact. The trauma is intensified by the societal and legal systems that have failed to support me as a Black woman and philanthropist, adding layers of anguish and complexity to my struggle. This compounded trauma challenges not only my mental resilience but also my identity and sense of justice.

Sociologically, the interplay of race, class, and gender shapes my experience. His white privilege and the systemic biases of the judicial system create a framework that marginalizes and devalues Black lives and contributions. As a philanthropist and advocate, I should be supported and celebrated, yet I find myself demeaned and diminished by stereotypes and prejudice. This systemic devaluation reflects a broader societal failure to acknowledge and respect the complexities of my identity and efforts.

Psychologically, the compounded trauma affects my sense of self-worth and agency. The biases of the judicial system and his exploitation of privilege create a psychological battleground where I am perpetually fighting against a backdrop of societal prejudice. This relentless battle impacts my mental health, feeding into a cycle of stress, anxiety, and grief. The unfair portrayal and stereotypes, such as the reductive view of strippers, add to this psychological burden, making the struggle feel even more isolating and dehumanizing.

Critical race theory and intersectionality provide insight into these dynamics. Critical race theory reveals how systemic racism and privilege shape legal and social outcomes. His ability to exploit his white privilege to undermine me is a direct reflection of this systemic bias. Intersectionality acknowledges how overlapping identities—race, class, and gender—interact to create unique experiences of oppression and resilience. My fight against systemic prejudice and personal loss must be understood through this intersectional lens, recognizing how multiple layers of identity and injustice intersect in my experience.

For parents who have lost children and face a reality where their loved ones are never coming back, the grief is an ongoing, profound journey. The societal failure to fully recognize and support the complexities of such grief only deepens the struggle. Despite this, there is hope. My journey reflects a commitment to enduring and evolving through pain. The hope lies in the belief that, despite systemic injustices and personal losses, there will come a day when Elizabeth and I will be reunited.

A recurring dream I once had, now feeling more like a recurring nightmare, encapsulates my enduring hope. In this dream, I return home, and he is there with Elizabeth, saying, “I have something that belongs to you.” But now, without a home of my own, this dream has become a haunting reminder of what I cannot yet provide. Each time I wake, the dream morphs into a nightmare of uncertainty, reflecting my fear that this reunion may never come to pass. Yet, despite this persistent fear, I cling to the hope that Elizabeth and I will be reunited one day. My journey is one of perseverance through systemic prejudice and personal loss, driven by an unyielding hope that love and resilience will ultimately guide us back to each other.

In the movie Losing Isaiah, Judge Hatcher’s words, “It’s not about how you start; it’s about how you finish,” hit me hard. They reflect my current reality and the relentless struggle I face. I’ve experienced deep loss and systemic injustice that have nearly shattered me. But these words remind me that my journey isn’t defined by my past or the harsh circumstances I’ve endured. It’s about how I rise from this moment, how I transform my pain into strength, and how I continue to fight for Elizabeth despite everything that’s happened. It’s a call to keep pushing forward, to believe that there is still hope and purpose, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Welcome to my world of resilience, empowerment, and authenticity. As a proud single mom, entrepreneur, and advocate, I share my journey not just to inspire but to ignite the strength within you. My writing reflects my lived experiences—from overcoming homelessness to embracing motherhood with unwavering love. Here, raw truth meets heartfelt wisdom, and together, we’ll explore the path of healing and growth.

Start with some of my breakout pieces that have deeply resonated with readers:

1. “Dollhouse” – A look into how families that seem perfect to outsiders can be deeply troubled behind closed doors.

2. “The Boy Disguised as a Man” – A personal account of being trapped by an older man with a baby, challenging the belief that only women trap men.

3. “The Heart He Left Behind” – A narrative on love, loss, and finding resilience in the aftermath.

4. “Sarah Jakes Rivers, Strip Clubs, and Subpoenas” – How every strip club in Vegas was subpoenaed, and the guidance of Sarah Jakes Roberts helped me navigate through it.

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