got emergency custody of me two weeks before my mom died because my life was in danger living with my parents.  They got the permanent full custody of me a few months later and then adopted me when I was three years old.

As long as I can remember, I asked about my mom and dad and WHY I was not living with them.  My loving grandparents always answered all my questions honestly and age appropriately.  They have made every effort for my dad to be part of my life, but…because he was not around most of the time, we have nothing in common or to talk about.

Because of the traumas I experienced in my life, thinking I was the only one dealing with my traumas, I started sharing some of it with my friends and classmates.  That’s when I realized that I was not alone and there were many other kids like me who needed help!

So, at the end of 3rd grade, after trauma counselors lost their jobs because of the lack of funding in my school and some others (all will lose the trauma counselors by the end of 2024 school year), I decided to speak out about the need for Us Kids to have access in school to trauma counselors.  Without trauma counselors, kids like me are left without a safe place and someone to talk to about our feelings and traumas, especially in elementary schools.

I am lucky my grandparents continue to take me to see the therapist outside of school, but too many kids don’t have that option.