Three Years Ago Today!

It was three years ago today that I walked through a set of steel doors and barbed wire fencing that was my home. Since that day my life has been filled with passion, a renewed sense of purpose, and an appreciation for a life that is beyond words.

On this day, Jewish people around the world celebrate the New Year and take part in a ritual where bread crumbs are placed on a flowing river to acknowledge the sins of the past, the people we have hurt, and reminding us of the lessons we’ve learned. This holiday also grants us the opportunity to move forward into a new year with a fresh start, a new beginning.

I am caused to stop and think about those that have helped me along my journey and those that extended their faith, love, support and compassion. I am humbled by the opportunities that have allowed me to be the voice for so many of the oppressed, under educated, unemployed, homeless and discriminated against. The return from prison or poverty are not very dissimilar, as we are all struggling to cross that quickly flowing river that divides the haves from the have nots, and demands the assistance of ropes, life vests, and boats, be thrown to those in need. It is my dream that we all join together so that bridges can be built across this country to assist people of every color, religion, gender choice, educational or criminal background, regardless of the past that often stands as a barrier to the future.

In this New Year I ask only for the opportunity to live my life with purpose and passion, and to help people to see and understand that while we live in a vast world divided by rivers, channels, oceans and seas, if we can all work together we can cross the waters as we come upon them. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and purposeful year ahead.