You are My Sunshine

Reflecting on the trifecta of healing that I penned about myself, I left out a major piece of my story. I excluded the roots that helped me build a strong foundation to grow and prosper. I failed to mention the one who gave me a new perspective to deal with the trauma I experienced. I forgot to add the integral piece in my story who allowed me to move on from the victim to the victor.

If you had not guessed yet, that person, or pillar, is my husband, the love of my life, the father of my baby girl, and my very best friend. I wanted to pen a short ode to him.

He took a small-town girl from the bayou and allowed her to dream big city dreams. He held me when I cried about love and loss, and he never ever gave up on me even when times got tough. He has continued to be my biggest cheerleader, while also inspiring me to go bigger and be louder than I thought possible. He listened when my crazy brain told me I couldn’t, and he whispered that I could. He grew with me, as opposed to apart. He taught me about love, faith, and healing. He provided for our little family to give us all the desires of our heart. He has given me a peaceful, quiet home free of conflict and full of laughter.

Fifteen years later, he continues to be my favorite part of each day, and I am so lucky to not only call him my husband but also Isa’s Papi.

In my article about Reclaiming Your Story, and Basking in the Sunlight post , I talk about moving on from grief and into the light. Well, Juan Carlos is my light, my sunshine on a cloudy day. He has taken me out of dark places and carried me into the sunlight. He has made me feel loved, cherished, and enough, even when I struggled to feel worthy myself.

Never did I imagine a summer leadership conference would lead me to my forever, but God works in mysterious ways. So, here's to you my love. May we continue to snuggle on the couch while we watch Survivor and American Greed.

“Come on now baby, don’t you worry now, I will be with you, can’t you see the things we’re gonna do” – Grady Spencer and The Work, Best I Can

And as I reflect on dancing in our apartment in OKC 7 years ago to our eventual wedding song, I am happy to report we are both still doing “Best I Can”.