Ma si mi laiye: Don't rely on man
Ma simi le aye, a word of wisdom from my native tongue which means do not rest on the world (do not rely on man) holds more experiential meaning to me more now than ever before. "9-1-1 what is your emergency?" Those where the words on the other side of the phone as I sat at my front door bleeding from my forehead, panicking at what harm could be happening to my kids who where still inside with him. Then in what felt like forever, there were cops, first responders, red and blue lights...blood...neighbors taking in the sight like extras at a movie shoot. That faithful day, I was nicely patched up at the hospital - forehead scar barely visible. Little did I know the toughest part of the experience was yet to begin.