Your story is your testimony

by I’Yonna Boyd

Me being a daddy’s girl, I never thought in a million years that my first heartbreak would be my father. With everything I’ve been through, this one hurt me the most 

It was during a normal scorching hot Sunday. My cousins and I were upstairs playing in the playroom, and I suddenly heard a loud knock at the door; my stomach dropped. We all ran downstairs and to see who it was – it was the police. All the family, including my dad, were downstairs having family time playing cards and eating. My nana opened the door, and they asked for my father. At this moment I knew that he was going to leave, but I didn’t know why. At this time I was too young to know.

Everything hit the fan when the police said, “I’m sorry ma’am, your son has to come with us.” I cried in confusion, not understanding what was going on. I asked my aunt if he was coming back, and she said yes. Years later I felt lied to, because he didn’t come back when I expected him to. I fell into depression at the ages of 7-14. I never thought that him being incarcerated would affect me that much.

It hurt me the most because I knew I couldn’t be with him physically and him missing most of my childhood left me hurt. Falling into depression affected my relationship with my mother. We were bumping heads, and nothing just seemed to work out. All the arguing, fighting, and commotion – it was too much for me to handle. My heart was broken, and I knew that only my father and God could pick up the pieces. While my father is still locked up, he and I still remained close and he slowly picked up my pieces. 

My dad helped me grow into the person I am today. He helped me get through all my problems, and he never judges me. He’s always open ears. 

What I learned from this particular situation is that even though times can get hard or something traumatic happens in your life, you still continue to push, fight, and be strong. Don’t let anything affect you or change you into a person that’s going to destroy you. You do have a purpose in life. You are here for a reason, and God’s creation is no mistake, so cherish your life and what you have while you can. Know that your story is your testimony.

Nothing is over. Everything has just begun.