08/10/2026
In July of 2014, I experienced a moment that changed me forever.
I survived a near-fatal accident with my college roommate. Before the accident, I didn’t care much about life. I was here, but I wasn’t really living. I was aloof, going through the motions, unsure of what any of it meant.
I spent my 20th birthday in the hospital recovering from three reconstructive surgeries on my leg, praying to God to pull me through. I remember asking, Why me? Why am I still here?
The only thing I knew to do was keep going. I would tell myself, the sun will rise and the sun will set. Just keep going.
The following summer, I spent a lot of time in hiding with Lawrence Williams Jr., healing my heart and protecting my peace. I was terrified of being young and free, of going out and partying like everyone else. Instead, I focused on healing, rebuilding myself, and nurturing our relationship.
Then, by my 21st birthday, I found out I was pregnant with Theo.
My life changed all over again.
That’s why Lauryn Hill’s To Zion has always resonated with me so deeply. She captured the fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming feeling of being chosen for motherhood and ultimately choosing to follow your heart.
I chose motherhood.
I chose to love like I had never loved before.
I chose my baby.
And Saturday night at the Lauryn Hill Experience, I found myself standing in a full-circle moment.
My first blessing out of the darkness held me as Drea Vocalz sang To Zion beautifully, while the art piece I created about my motherhood journey hung on the walls. 🥹
I cried tears of reflection, not because I was sad, but because I could see just how far God had carried me.
The girl who once wondered why am I still here? became a mother, an artist, and a woman who finally understood that maybe surviving was never the end of the story.
Maybe I was still here because there was more life to live.
More love to give.
More art to create.
More stories to tell.
This show was healing for me in ways I didn’t expect. ❤️
Thank you to everyone who came, supported, celebrated, and witnessed this moment with me. And thank you to everyone who continues to remind me to keep going. 🥹✨
