Introduction: The Confidence of Knowing, The Strength in Uncertainty

For much of my life, I leaned on foresight and careful planning, trusting that these tools would guide me through life’s twists and turns. Yet, this past year has been a humbling journey, teaching me resilience and the value of embracing life’s uncertainties. What I once saw as my strength—predictability and control—was stripped away, revealing the need for a deeper, more enduring foundation.

The year began with hope and optimism. My wife and I moved into a new home with our five children, believing it marked the beginning of a fresh chapter. But challenges surfaced almost immediately. From persistent solicitors at our door to the financial strain of maintaining a household, life quickly turned into a delicate balancing act. As a disabled veteran striving to support my family while managing physical and emotional limitations, I found myself stretched thin. Between caregiving, budgeting, and holding on to a sense of stability in the midst of chaos, the year became a lesson in perseverance and the quiet strength that comes from adapting to life’s unexpected turns.

Parenting, Frustrations, and Self-Reflection

Parenting five children has been a journey filled with constant challenges, often revealing the gap between my best intentions and the reality of daily life. Despite my efforts to create structure and instill discipline, I frequently found myself frustrated by their selective memory—quick to recall rewards but seemingly forgetful of responsibilities like cleaning or completing chores. In moments of frustration, my raised voice would sometimes make me the disciplinarian, adding to the tension within our home. It’s been a humbling reminder of the patience and grace needed to guide them while learning and growing alongside them.

During this time, I turned to The Power of Awareness by Neville Goddard. The book reshaped my internal perspective, emphasizing the role of consciousness in shaping experiences. However, the lessons I learned were difficult to align with the chaos of family life. I worked hard to maintain order and provide stability in my household, yet I often felt my efforts went unrecognized. This lack of acknowledgment led me to question the value and purpose of all I was striving to achieve.

The Weight of Financial and Emotional Strains

With our growing family, we were blessed to move into a new home and add two Ford Explorers—one for my wife and one for my Lyft driving—to better meet our needs. These changes naturally brought an increase in financial responsibilities. When my sister-in-law and nephew joined us, it added another layer to the delicate balance of managing my time and resources. As the head of the household, I quietly shouldered the emotional weight of the home's upkeep—both the repairs you can see and the wear that goes unseen.

A Turning Point: Welcoming Twins Amidst Career Growth

Amidst these challenges, two transformative events marked a turning point. First, my wife and I learned we were expecting twins, which brought a mixture of joy and apprehension. Simultaneously, I began a new role as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist, assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those living with HIV. This position required significant personal growth, as it pushed me beyond my comfort zone into unfamiliar territory.

Balancing the responsibilities of parenting newborn twins and excelling in my professional role proved overwhelming. Using VA telehealth services, I managed my mental health, fitting therapy sessions into already packed days. With the twins’ arrival, my time was consumed by childcare and completing school assignments. Yet, despite my best efforts, the combined weight of these responsibilities forced me to make the difficult decision to drop out of school. This decision, while necessary for my mental health and family priorities, was humbling.

Veterans Voices Unmuted: Finding Expression and Purpose

In the midst of these pressures, I sought an outlet to process my experiences and share my story. This led to the creation of Veterans Voices Unmuted, a podcast that began as a personal project and evolved into a platform for advocacy and storytelling. Through the podcast, I shared stories like that of a transgender veteran who successfully navigated the VA system to access necessary care. These narratives resonated deeply, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of individuals often overlooked.

The podcast gained traction, drawing recognition from community leaders, veteran groups, and organizations such as the Texas HIV Syndicate. It has become a platform for connection and advocacy, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and fostering dialogue around critical issues.

Expanding Advocacy Through We Empower U

In addition to the podcast, I launched We Empower U, a website dedicated to supporting veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. The platform provides resources and creates space for storytelling, enabling individuals to share their challenges and triumphs. This initiative reflects my commitment to fostering empowerment and connection for those often silenced or ignored.

A Growing Legacy: Writing and Connections

My work has extended beyond digital platforms. I have completed a manuscript detailing my journey and the lessons I have learned. Though unpublished, this book serves as a personal testament to the resilience and adaptability required to navigate life’s complexities.

Recent projects, such as the Veteran’s Day episode of Veterans Voices Unmuted, which spotlighted my collaboration with a transgender veteran, have further cemented the podcast’s role as a critical platform for advocacy. These initiatives continue to expand, building a legacy of connection and impact.

The Path Ahead: Building on Momentum

Looking forward, the journey continues to unfold. Opportunities to collaborate with the Texas HIV Syndicate and veteran advocacy groups provide avenues for broader impact. These initiatives remind me of the transformative power of storytelling and the strength found in community.

This year has taught me that wisdom does not lie in knowing everything but in embracing uncertainty and adapting to the unknown. Each challenge has shaped my path, and each opportunity reinforces my commitment to creating meaningful change. Through my work, I aim to amplify marginalized voices, foster understanding, and build a foundation for a more inclusive and empowered future.