Monthly Archives: July 2011

Good Men in the Making

Posted on by
Reply


YTurnerSommore

   

Good Men in the Making

 

It started out as just a friendly conversation based off a simple question asked often in Louisville “Where’d you go to high school?”  My response was Waggener.  The other people around then stated their answer, but one person started with, “Well, um, well first I went to Valley and then was at Doss…”  You could tell that the story had more behind it.  The guy then went on to say that he stopped going to high school his sophomore year and never finished.

 

However, 17 years later he is now back trying to complete his GED.  He wants to better not only his life, but his kids’ lives too.  This entire conversation happened in the St. Stephen Family Life Center right by the cable cross over machine.  The three men in the conversation all had tattoos, some had gold teeth.  They talked about their stints in jail and how they now have a better perspective on life.

 

They went on to discuss how they used to be a “n!gg@” but now are men and the difference.  They used to run around and do things thinking only about themselves but now they put their family first.  But the conversation continued to improve.  They started quoting Bible verses that kept them motivated.  One mentioned be able to freely now show his sensitive side.

 

And I just sat there in awe.  Here were three men that on the outside could be intimidating to some people.  Three men that have done others wrong.  Three men that have served their time.  But, also three men trying to make it RIGHT!  I felt so blessed and fortunate to be able to stand and listen while they continued their conversation.  They are trying to make a difference in others lives, but they already made a difference in mine.  Remember, your story still has more chapters in it and you don’t have to be defined by your current character.  If you want a better life, do something to guide you in that direction!

July 2011

E is for Effort

Posted on by
Reply

   Milton Salute

 E Is For Effort

 

So Milton left July 3 to report on July 4 for the Army JAG Corp.  We discovered the wonderful invention of Skype, but unfortunately it didn’t work for the two weeks he was in Fort Lee, VA.

 

Last Friday he arrived in Charlottesville, VA (his new home until the end of September).  The day after was Zero Day.  Anyone in their group interested in going Air Assault or Airborne must tryout.  It’s pretty much Boot Camp from he!!.  The goal is to weed everyone out and if you’re left breathing, standing and moving at the end of the day then you get a spot.

I’m not sure why Milton wanted to put himself through this torture, but he did.  Although he’s made progress, he’s not the strongest athlete.  I didn’t want him to get down about not making it so I told him in advance to think of it as extra credit instead of something you fail.

 

That morning around 7:30 my phone rings.  Milton calls and I can barely understand what he’s saying.  All I hear is deep breathing in the background.  Panting.  Out of breath.  Gasping for air.  I get worried and then he finally says “I made it!  I survived Zero Day!”  I was excited and overjoyed.  Once he caught his breath, I asked him about the process.

 

He said there were several times that he was going to stop because the exercises were just too hard for him.  There were also several times that the officers asked him if he was okay.  Milton said at the main point where we was going to walk away he thought of me, kissed his wedding ring and kept going. He said he wanted to do it for me/for us.  So now my happiness has turned into speechlessness as I realize the man that I married wants to do as much as he can to lead our family.

 

Once the final few men were left standing, Milton was told by the leaders that the effort and the will power he displayed to keep going is what helped him make it in the end.  It’s not always about being the best or the strongest.  Sometimes it’s about wanting it, going after it and not giving up. So, whatever you’re trying to accomplish in life, don’t be discouraged by those that appear ‘better than you’.  Strive for what you want.  Even when you feel like giving up, push a little harder because that little push may take you to the top!

July 2011

Wealth of Knowledge

Posted on by
5


Cher

Wealth of Knowledge

None of us know everything about everything.  Most of know nothing about most things.  Some of us are full of things.  And a few of us know a wealth of information about one thing.

I found this last part to be true about a woman here in Louisville.  For the longest time I just knew her by the posts she’d put on Facebook.  Then I became intrigued by her through the photos she posted of various women in Louisville rockin’ out their own style. The more I paid attention to what she said, the more I was able to see the passion she possessed.  It wasn’t until a Zumba class a couple of weeks ago that I finally got to match the face behind the name.

Her name is Cherilyn and her group is called Derby City Naturals.  If you live in Louisville (or even somewhere else) you need to check out her blog and Facebook group.  It is one of the most thorough sites you’ll see dedicated to natural hair, hair products and just celebrating beautiful black women of all varieties!

Just this week I had a conversation with her about the very likely possibility of doing the Big Chop toward the end of summer.  She gave all types of wonderful advice and suggestions.  But the thing I appreciated best about our conversation is that with each statement, she would begin it with “For me, I….”  She never came across as being the end all be all for hair.  She solely talked about her personal experience and what she’s observed from others.

You can hear the thrill in her voice whenever she talks about natural hair and I can’t wait to see where all of her experiences lead her.  Whether it’s a national blog, advice column in a hair magazine or voice on a 9-1-1 emergency hair help line – her passion with be celebrated in a big way!

Derby City Naturals just celebrated their one year anniversary and tomorrow night they are having a Coils and Cocktails Event (see Events section of the Newsletter/website).  If you are currently natural, thinking about going natural or just love the idea, please come mix and mingle.  Cherilyn – thanks for being you!!

Miss Me Some You

Posted on by
Reply


WeddingClose

 
Miss Me Some You

Sometimes you don’t know what you’re truly missing until you actually have it in your life.  That’s how I’ve felt these past two month being married to Milton.  As an only child, I always felt that I could be a strong, independent female that could roll solo and conquer the world.  And while that wasn’t always such a bad thing, I also longed to have someone consistently by my side.

In walks Milton.  You never know how married life will be once the honeymoon is over.  Will we get sick of each other?  Will his snoring keep me up at night?  Does he know how to put the toilet seat down?  It’s all a mystery.  Milton and I had the entire month of June together – and I mean the ENTIRE month!  He didn’t work the entire month so that we could spend quality newlywed time together.  Wherever I went, he was there.  Zumba- check.  St. Stephen Family Life Center – check.  Grocery Store – check.  Bathroom – uncheck, lol!

And our month together was great.  We found shows that we both like to watch.  Enjoyed just being around each other and doing nothing.  We even found solutions to household things.  For example, Milton loves to cook, but not clean.  Well, I love to clean, but not cook.  Problem solved.  He hates folding clothes but doesn’t mind putting them in/taking them out of the washer/dryer. Wonderful.

Everything was going well and we were learning to love each other (and our differences) and then the 4th of July hit.  Yes, this holiday was one that I will never forget.  On Monday at 12:00pm, while everyone else was getting ready for their BBQs, my dear Milton was in Fort Lee, VA checking in for the first time as a US Army JAG Officer.  And while I was super excited for him, I was saddened that my best friend was gone.  I never really realized how much an important part of my life he was until I sat in our room and he wasn’t there.

Bad news is he won’t be back in Louisville until close to Thanksgiving.  Good news is that I can still go and visit during part of the time he’s in Charlottesville, VA.  So while he’s gone I’m getting involved with some new ventures and ways to keep Louisville healthy – more details about that coming soon!