Follow Your Vision and Never Give UP

At the age of eighteen, my mother lost her right leg in a tragic train accident, which vastly changed the trajectory of her life. Although disabled in the eyes of others and confronted with one challenge after another, she overcame each obstacle by relying on her faith and determination. While losing her leg was a life altering event, it would not be her only battle or for that matter her most difficult. For decades, my mother suffered with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, which greatly impacted her overall mental health and personal relationships. As if these two things weren't enough, in 2005, she was a victim of Hurricane Katrina and forced to flee to California after losing everything. For many, losing a leg, suffering from mental illness, and being caught in the middle of a natural disaster would be equivalent to a barricade, a roadblock, an excuse as to why one was unable to lead a fulfilling life but for my mother, these were mere stumbling blocks for which she always found a way around. In the wake of my mother's journey, I've learned to draw strength and resilience from observing her ability to persevere regardless of what comes her way. Having watched her bounce back after each event, stronger and more determined has helped me build a foundation of equal tenacity. My mother is the epitome of strength, resilience, perseverance, faith, and love by which following your vision and never giving up, makes all things possible. Through poems and anecdotes, Follow Your Vision and Never Give Up! recalls one woman's journey through life as she keeps a promise to God and achieves much more than she ever imagined.