Winning Entry:

Finding Hope

At 15, I lost hope walking into the burn unit at university in Denver. My 13yr brother by my side, we spoke to dr.s walked into a unit caught a glimpse of what remained of our father. Those memories haunt, they linger as he lived 4 days 4 long days. There was no help for the trauma we felt. We became a product of our environment and lost to the streets. At 15, I watched a gang shooting. Nothing like t.v. each person being shot had a different reaction . But, each one had the same reaction as far as running. My reaction was to be still . Something said be still inside. So I just stayed as everything happened. This realization that was now slow motion as one person falls to his knees and another being pulled into a car. This is happening before me. My friends, these people I hung out with I’m now paying a price forever. At age 25, I got pregnant my due date was the same time as my brother’s. My brother got the winning hand in this game as I laid my stillborn daughter to rest. It was through my pregnancy I learned HOPE. I found the true meaning of happiness. I felt life grow and live inside. I wanted better not only for her but myself. After she passed, I had a choice to stay on my new journey or go back to my old ways. I chose this new journey. Finding light in the darkness.