A month or two ago I wasn't really looking forward to my Born on Date. I was fearful of reliving the trauma associated with this date 12 months ago. But God stepped in the same way he has throughout this journey.
In a conversation with one of my aunts, she reviled to me that I should think of this Born on Date as my second birth. After all, I'm definitely a different person physically, mentally, and spiritually. My counselor stayed on me about not giving negative thoughts the bulk of my attention because that only creates a deep hole that's hard to climb out of. Kadra McQueen Wright and Brendan Johnson with a little nudge from Marcus Morris, convinced me that it would be a good idea to attend the Midwest Clinic.
Kadra felt I needed to get back in the swing of things. Brendan thought it would be a good test run to see if I am ready to handle the day to day rigors of being back in the classroom. Marcus was like, "Dude bring your behind to the clinic ... lol" I tried to back out of going but they wouldn't let me. Then once I arrived I felt like I should have just stayed home. However once I ventured out into the exhibit hall, I got confirmation and affirmation that I matter. So many people walked up to me and let me know they had been praying for me, following my journey, and were happy for the progress that I have made.
We left the Midwest Clinic with our next destination The Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, GA. By this time I was worn out but the tickets and reservations had been paid for. If it's one thing Clifford Wright (pops) taught me, it's that you don't waste money. Once again, no backing out now. This portion of the trip turned out to be great. I saw friends that I hadn't seen in years and once again they affirmed that I mattered and reminded me of the inspiration I had been to them when the whole time I'm just trying to make it to the next day the best way I know how. And to top it off, my alma mater, South Carolina State University won the game.
This trip and the sessions with my counselor were just what the ole boy needed. I began to get more and more excited as my Born on Date approached. The night before my Born on Date I found it difficult to sleep. Mostly do to anxiety. I was anxious to get the day started and see what wonderful gift my wife had selected for me. Around 4:00am my brain finally slowed down long enough for me to get sleepy. Then it started happening again. Nightmares. Flashbacks. What ifs? The Shoulda Coulda Blues. Then I reminded myself that's not my current reality. Then I was finally able to sleep like a baby. This year I saw my Born on Date start and I saw it end. A far cry from last year. If it's God's will, I'll also get to see and participate in Christmas and New Year's which I had no clue took place last year. As the saying goes ..... God is Good All the Time. And All the Time God is Good.
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Until Next Time...
P.U.S.H. Because No One Fights Alone. #WrightStrong