I just returned from Dallas, Texas. My trip was so amazing it made me think about when I attempted suicide 16 years ago. Back then, I didn’t know my purpose and had a poor view of myself and my future. I couldn’t see any possibility of having a bright existence. But I would have missed out on so much. I talk about this in my book, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers. But here’s some of the things that happened while I was in Texas:

Here I am wearing the Rocketbelt, which is worn by the Rocketman of Powerhouse Productions. This rocketbelt actually allows the wearer to fly through the air for 30 seconds. It’s been used at the Olympics, concerts (Michael Jackson, PDiddy and others), sporting events, movie premieres, corporate and school events - all over the world!)

It’s been a dream of mine (since 9th grade) to see this up close. (And no, I didn’t get a chance to fly it. You have to have a lot of training.)

Here I am with Dan Schlund, the current Rocketman pilot who flies the Rocketbelt.

Imagine if I was successful in taking my life 16 years ago… I never would have been able to live this dream.

I was also able to meet with a friend I went to high school with:

This is my friend Spencer Lightsy. He’s been waiting for my book for almost two years! He’s been telling all of his friends and co-workers about it. Now he finally has it. Imagine if I had committed suicide… there would be no book and Spencer would have lost a friend. It’s so easy when we’re caught in our own pain, to only focus on ourselves and to not think about those close to us.

Here I am with Susan Morong, a woman I met on the plane to Texas. She’s a Librarian and bought a copy of my book.

Here I am with Clyde Taber or the Visual Story Network.

Here I am standing next to the spot where President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed. I felt ashamed that I didn’t realize he was killed in Dallas, Texas. I thought it was in Washington, DC.. But over the past few years, I’ve been learning more about historical figures (Including Kwame NKrumah - 1st President of Ghana, West Africa). While at this historical spot, I also me Mr. Robert J. Groden, one of the key historians to the Kennedy assassination.

I know I already said it before, but I couldn’t help but be grateful to God for giving me life. My life has not, in any way, been perfect - but it has been beyond what I could imagine. I don’t know what you may be going through in your life. But know that God has a plan and a purpose for your life and if you just hold on and draw closer to God… that plan will become clear.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11