14/09/2025
Ten years ago today, after sitting in my car in the Starbucks parking lot bawling my eyes out, I wiped my face, got out of my car, and took this picture. I was terrified. Not only because I had an 11 hour drive in front of me after recently hearing about Sanda Bland, but also because I was leaving everything I've ever known to move to a city I knew nothing about.
This journey has been one of trials and tribulations. I've lost friends. Some relationships, both friends and family, have what seems to be a permanent strain. And in acknowledging that, I realize there was nothing I could do about any of it.
So, I focused on me. I landed in Atlanta and did exactly what I said I was gonna do. I'm healthy. I'm successful (in more ways than financial), I'm in tune with my mental health, and I am at peace. Hell, I bought a house 😭.
Although there are many things I wish I could have brought with me to Atlanta like support and Ginos Pizza, I am at peace in not having the things, the relationships, and anything else that wouldn't serve me in this journey.
It worked out the exact way it was supposed to. I thank God and my Ancestors for not playing about me. I thank the Atlanta area for embracing me. And I thank my new friends and people I've grown closer to who have been here for me. Toledo, Ohio will always be home, but I found myself in Atlanta. My "new" home.
