As I peeled back the layers of silence, telling the story of a little Jamaican mulatto girl who found her voice in a world that often tried to mute it. Perfect timing, I didn’t have to give you an outline of my expectations, you knew them. I never had to convince my heart to love you, it was yours. I never prayed for a partner, but my Heavenly Father saw that I was humble enough to save myself without expectations. I am not without flaws. Perfect is an understatement. But what I do know is your heart will be kept in the same place as mine. I give you me. You have filled my unrealistic voids that no one has ever been able to fill. Through trial and error I am now able to say you are my soulmate, with words I seldom ever use. I love you, and I love you for completing the story of my imperfect life with shared perfection—my vow.
As the voices, accusations, and opinions of society lash out, I sits and watches him all day at his job, she is too old for him, he is using her, she is just one of the many, he just needs his green card, he has his women, she is just for money, and he is going to leave her. Let’s breathe,,,, it has gotten very noisy, tempers are flaring, and glasses are being broken throughout the room. Let’s breathe,,,,, the last time I remember I was born, my own individual deemed with the intent of making decisions that have made me who I am today, in which I would consider it to be not so bad at all.
It is not in my character to ever give society a voice, but I was compelled to let everyone know I hear you loud and clear. I respect everyone, whether your intent or opinions were good or bad; I thank you. But as I look back at my life, the trials and errors were what made this mother, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and doctor who I am today. The opinions of society will never govern any decisions I make in my life. I live for me, and the importance of living for me stems from the strength of believing and valuing my own opinions, decisions, and actions.
When I look in the mirror, the only thing I see is a reflection of myself, I have to answer to myself. Now knowing the type of character I am dealing with leaves me with zero room to include trying to fix or live up to society's expectations. If I were guaranteed an additional fifty years to my life span, I would address each opinion, but unfortunately, my life span does not permit it.
I live for me,,,,,,, the beauty within me that shines bright stems from my own decisions, my own opinions, and my own actions. Self-love is internal, I am in love with me, I got this society!!!! Do you hear me!!!!! I got this!!!!!!! now, with a sincere apology, let me remind you there will be no extension on your life, so make decisions that will exert success, value, and peace within. The reflection in your mirror is you.
Life has a beautiful way of coming full circle. I left Jamaica with dreams in my heart and determination in my eyes. I return now with wisdom, peace, and purpose.
Every lesson learned, every tear shed, every victory earned, we all lead me back to this moment of completeness.
When I stand once more on Jamaican soil, I will not see a place I left behind; I will see a place I am returning to as my truest self.
And as the waves kiss the shore, I’ll whisper a quiet prayer:
“Thank you, Lord, for bringing me home not just to this island, but to myself.”
The Richards Foundation — Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Every dream I have ever nurtured, every hardship I have overcome, and every blessing I have received have brought me to this moment, the creation of something that will live beyond my lifetime. The Richards Foundation for Empowerment and Education is not merely a project. It is the culmination of generations of love, sacrifice, and purpose.
It is the embodiment of my parents’ faith, my Aunt Vivian’s discipline, my own journey of perseverance, and the moral compass that has guided me through every season of my life. It is a gift not from me alone, but from my family’s entire lineage of strength and vision.
November 25, 2024
Life has been living…..I am just now getting the opportunity to share my lived experiences that are a bit distasteful. After I got married to Flamze, I started to experience multiple red flags of infidelity. However, I continued to give him the benefit of the doubt. Ladies, please, when you get the gut feeling of infidelity, I do believe that is the way your Father in heaven is letting you know to open your eyes. I would always mention to Flamze that there is a missing piece of the puzzle and make no mistakes. One day, I will prove that my intuition is correct.