I Am Proud!
I placed this badge on my purse to let everyone know who I am; what I endured and that I am proud of it. I have had numerous and varied reactions when people discover that I am a Human Trafficking Survivor. Most pity me and are uncomfortable with the subject which is understandable. Every once in a while you get the best reactions that make it all worthwhile.
I want to thank a young woman for the best reaction of all time. She simply made polite conversation by asking me how I was. I just pointed to my badge and said that I am doing much better while smiling brightly. She didn’t know how to react at first like practically everyone. She took a moment before turning towards me and saying, “I just want to say, you’re bad ass.” We immediately parted ways. She knew absolutely nothing about me except what the badge says, “Human Trafficking Survivor.” Sometimes that’s enough.
It is in moments like these where I get the confidence to push forward through the process of healing, advocating, educating and supporting others while the investigation hopefully continues. The FBI can’t tell me anything about anything but I know that they are listening and watching. They’ve watched me be trafficked, escape, lose everything, find additional evidence, get attacked by associates, report much and I’m still pushing forward.
I have often wondered when I joined the FBI and why I haven’t seen a single paycheck for all of my work but then I remember who I am. I am the home front. Our service and sacrifice is voluntary, unpaid and unrecognized except by those who sign on the dotted line and take that oath to our Constitution. Our glory is with those who truly matter and understand. We need nothing more except for our brave to be safe and come back home, every single one of them. Inshallah they will. In the meantime…
Allah, please protect and guide those who are serving, those who served and those who support them. Amin.
The home front will be right here waiting to greet you, feed you, praise you, cuss you, support you and love you through it all because
Every life matters, especially yours.
God bless America and especially Her people.
