It takes a Village!

…and MAN! I needed one! I have always been a singer. I was now a single mother. Many may say this was a bad decision but… I had to go after my dream. I was working with a very well connected Vocal Coach at the time in Atlanta. I was still living with my 2 year old in Michigan, finishing my degree in Early Childhood Education. I also got back in touch with my cousin who also lived in Atlanta. April Lee. So I had my Vocal Coach, I had my cousin… and I jumped.

I packed up our small apartment and moved to an apartment here in Atlanta with the goal of becoming a “Star”! I was fully into it. I was excited and thrilled to be chasing my dream. What I didnt realize was that it was at the expense of my son. I am not proud to admit that while I was in studio sessions and vocal lessons, my son was plopped in front of a screen. This was something I had never done. Until now. I also found myself at a cross roads with my religion. Lets just say I had some choices to make… something had to give. So I choose to let go of my musical aspirations, and focus on my relationship with God, and being the best mother I can be.

I had no idea what I was doing!!

My cousin however, knew quite a bit more than I did in this department. She had 3 children and was also using the “My Baby Can Read” program. The difference however, was that she was having her children sound out the letters on the cards, instead of just reciting the word. This was the first time I realized I could learn from her. I applied her technique and continued pouring myself into teaching my son.

Until I hit a wall. Writing. I promise you, one of us almost didnt make it past this point! I remember calling April, overwhelmed because it felt like nothing I was doing to help him write properly was working! I did the research, I thought I knew what I was doing but… nothing was working.

I called April and she calmed me down, gave me some tips… and vwa-la!! We were writing! There have been so many people who have been a part of my journey with my son. So much credit needs to be given to my mother for all of her help while I was on bedrest for 6 months, and all of her support since. However, when it comes to teaching, April really held me down. She didnt just teach me how to teach my son… she taught me how to love and embrace who I was and this… this allowed me to lean into my God given talents and use them to provide a loving and creative learning environment where my son thrived!