I was raised in a home where drugs were not uncommon. As early as I can remember, I would wake myself up and dress myself for school. Yes, I remember being in the fourth grade and waking myself up and catching the bus to school because my mom was passed out on the couch. I never knew my father. I have been told he is serving a life sentence in prison in Texas. He has written me once or twice but I have never responded. I lived in and out of apartment complexes—a childhood no child should live. When I was in the sixth grade I went to stay with my aunt because my mom was in rehab. When my mom had gotten out of the hospital I decided to call her. By this time, I had begun to go to church with my aunt. I asked my mom if she wanted to come to church with us—she said no. I begged and begged her to go. I ended up becoming very frustrated with her and hung up the phone. I did not say bye. I did not say I love you. I did not say I will see you soon. This was a decision I would soon regret. The next morning I got out of bed and began getting dressed for school. I went down the stairs and my sister was there. This was very strange. She was crying. This was even stranger. Next my aunt, sister, and cousin are walking me back up the stairs. I have no clue what is going on. They said they needed to tell me something… my aunt told me that my mom had been in a car accident. At this time a million thought were racing through my head. Ok well let’s go see her at the hospital, I thought. The next words out of my aunt’s mouth changed my life forever. Wes “your mom didn’t make it,” she told me. My mind went blank. I had no thoughts. None. It took a while for it to sink in. My mom was dead. Gone forever. I would never see her again—just like that. The next thing I realized were that last words I had said to her. Nothing. I had hung up the phone. I did not get to say goodbye. I did not get to say I love you, mom. This was the saddest day of my life.
I continued to live with my aunt and I have been so thankful. She took me in without even one thought. I continued to go to church and eventually came to “know Christ” or be “saved.” That was the happiest day of my life. To know that I will be able to see my mom again one day, to be able to say I love you, mom. Since then I began going to church at First Baptist thanks to one of my friends, Cali, who invited me. This was also a great turn in my life. At this church I became “plugged in.” I learned so much about who I am and what my life means.
I am now a sophomore at Lander University on full scholarship. I look back now and think how my life would be different. I think God knew exactly what he was doing when he took my mom from me. I think my life would be completely different now. If I continued in that lifestyle, I know I would not be where I am today. For that, I am thankful. Thankful to have such a wonderful family. Thankful to have such great friends. Thankful that I know that there is a God that knows the plans for my life. Thankful to know that I will have an eternal future. The end is just the beginning of eternity.
6 comments:
Wes this once again is something that truly touched me. i am currently going through the hardest part of my life that i have ever known.thanks for sharing this and you are such an amazing person and an inspiration to me as well.
Susan Wood's sister here.... What an incredible story! Thanks for sharing. As you enter the teaching profession, you will encounter very similar situations with the students you teach. The best reward in the world isn't the money, it's knowing that you can be there for someone who needs you when there is no where else for them to turn. I feel that a major part of my success in the classroom is my ability to communicate with my students beyond lesson plans. Knowing what is going on in their lives is very important. I learned that early on. Sometimes you hear more than you want and sometimes you have to do things that you don't want to help them, but in the end, its worth it all to see them be successful! Best of luck to you with your teaching career!
Wesley I didn't know you had a blog, and I thought I knew everything! I just want to say that 9 years ago this month was the saddest time for me too losing a sister. I didn't understand, but I didn't question God even in the darkest hours. I knew he had better plans for you, and I was just a piece of the puzzle that he was using. I hope I am not selfish in saying this but looking back these past nine years were perhaps all about God having plans for me, because you have taught me so much.... Without your sweet sweet spirit and encouragement I would not have made it through. Your sweet random cards left at my bedroom doorway when I was in one of my moods from a tired day, it was those little things that touched my heart over and over that you did. You got me through! Many times I wanted to give up and give in to self pity. But you were perfect I found no fault ever in you....no self pity, a determination like I have never seen, a love for all people unconditionally, patience way too much for someone your age especially with an aunt that thought... what am I going to do with another teenager and middle schooler, a humble fellow that is older than his years, and the list could go on an on. But our God who is omnipresent and Omniscient
knew exactly what he was doing. I thank God for you. I love you Wesley, Aunt Wanda
Wow that's very sad...your blog has touched me...sorry about everything that happen and I cant really say anything because i cant relate to the things you been through...You're a strong person man...God put everyone on this earth for a reason and you're making him proud...Wes be very thankful for your aunt because she welcomed you without any problem..keep up the good work and always keep your head high and I'm here if you need me bro...
Wes,
I'm so touched by your story.One thing I really admire is that you overcame the barriers that could have hindered you from reaching your goals. You chose not to wallow in self-pity. Instead you made the best out of yourself.
Keep trusting in the Lord. I believe He did not bring you this far to leave you.
Love always.
No matter what life throws at you, keep trusting in Him who has brought you this far. You might have gone through all that, but believe me, the Lord has been guiding and leading you in the right direction. I find it amazing that you chose to follow the right path despite the circumstances that surrounded you. You are highly favored and blessed.
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