The year 2020 has been one of many struggles and obstacles, for everyone. With this comes a great deal of emotions and reactions. During this time of the Coronavirus we are facing, one mother wants to remind the community that not all has been lost.
Todella Brown (who is celebrating her birthday on May 21) is the mother of Ariell L.M. Gipson. Gipson passed away in June of 2017 as a result of a car accident. Brown has dealt with Ariell's transition onto eternal life by turning to her faith and continued to build her relationship with God. She has faced sadness, anger, joy, and heartbreak and mended herself since the passing of her child. Brown would say, "Ariell is graduating from the emergency room, to the ICU, onto Heaven."
Gipson’s accident took place in front of a restaurant establishment that is known for their views on faith towards God. Brown saw this as a sign in dealing with Ariell's transition onto eternal life. It helped her to accept that her child was being watched over and allowed her to heal in her own way.
Brown has been looking at the responses of the Coronavirus pandemic and seeing the lives lost and impacted. It has reminded her of that June 3rd date and how it felt.
As a licensed cosmetologist being restricted from her customers, Brown believes now is the time to bring positivity to the front of our minds and keep it there. The world sees a great deal of negativity every day, especially now. Every life has importance in it and is valued.
Brown says, "Your health is more important than wealth." Many are dealing with the loss of loved ones and facing rough times financially. This leads to depression and mental health impacting the way they live their lives. It is part of Todella Brown’s goal to remind everyone that they are not alone. Whether that’s how it feels like, or if they truly feel they have no one to turn to, she wants them to remember that there is someone out there.
If you or someone you know are dealing with something you feel is beyond your control, reach out to someone. A friend, a family member, even one of the various hotlines that are set up for those purposes.
During this pandemic we should learn to reach out when we need it most and vice versa, we should be there for one another. Write a letter or send a card to someone, let them know they are on your mind. A little snail mail goes a long way in this new technological world. Since Brown is a prior U.S. postal mail carrier she likes to remind people “What good is life if we can’t help each other?” Be there for one another, support, heal, and push through.
For more local news and information click here.