What I have learned From Stephen Lawrence and other Tragedies

Dear Family Members,

As the trial of those accused of murdering Stephen Lawrence continues into it’s second week.  I have paused for thought and reflected on the things I have learned from Stephen Lawrence's death and other tragedies that have touched my life.

While I do not know this family personally, I am not a friend of a friend or even an associate.  But for some reason I will never forget where I was or what I was doing the day that I heard the news of his murder.  Since this particularly terrible day many like it have followed. similar deaths have touched me on different levels  more so when it has been some-one from my family circle. When a sistah-friend lost her partner to a violent death I knew that both her family and his were changed forever in a way that no amount of time would heal; Just like the Lawrence’s.

When you experience or witness this level of human suffering it takes you to a twilight zone of despair that time has to wrestle with to even get close to a place of healing. Yes, you learn to move on and to laugh again, but you are not the same version of yourself neither do you want to be. When this trial ends we who are watching will discuss the outcome with friends and family and then move on with our lives until some-body else becomes the news.  But for the family of Stephen and many other fallen community members their suffering will inevitably continue, their tears will not dry and every birthday and Christmas will hold a bitter/sweet quality

I have been reminded that life is for living. I feel a renewed enthusiasm for my journey.  I am choosing to find the joy when it is scarce.  I am choosing to love harder, deeper, truer.  I want to enjoy everyday as if there is no tomorrow. Why? When Mrs. Lawrence said good-bye to Stephen that final day. She did not know it would be the last time. Therefore I am choosing to live in the moment as recommended by the world famous Ekhart Tolle. As right now is all any of us really have.

That’s what Stephen Lawrence has taught me.



Me rocking the hot pink lip for absolutely no reason
with my relaxed weekend ensemble...
P.S got a lot of attention from boys on this day