I was born in New Zealand, the fourth and youngest child of the family. I am named after an African American actor, Ben Vereen. Me being neither a boy nor African American didn’t bother my mum, she loved the name and she loved me so it was a perfect fit. I have always had a great relationship with my mum and my father was a hardworking and committed provider for our family, but he was …
As early as five years old I can remember finding comfort in food. Some of my earliest memories are sitting on the couch zoning out to the television while overeating on various junk foods. That was a reaction even at five years old that I learned to do to survive and escape the reality of my surroundings. During this time my mother and father divorced and visitation rights became the focus of my relationship with …
I walked towards the gate of Sunny’s new school this morning, behind the bars was an enclosed area for children to sit. My eyes found four children in wheelchairs. One little boy dangled bare feet from his chair, while another had his eyes closed and dribbled quietly in the corner of the schoolyard. I gulped and took a breath; this is now where my boy ‘belongs,’ the revelation taunted me. I shut the gate behind me realising the severity …
My life began in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. My parent’s relationship was short lived. My mum was only 16yrs old when I was born so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents until my mum re-partnered when I was about five years old. God and church were a big part of my early childhood years. My aunt and uncle were pastors and had always provided a steadying influence in my life. …
My 8-year-old daughter has become a big advocate for kids that are excluded or mistreated by other kids. I am so proud of her, not just because of her compassion and kindness but because I know first hand what its like to be one of those kids, a misfit. I grew up in a trailer out in the sticks. This was definitely not cool. Where I grew up cool was living in a two-story house …
