![I heard recently that the two most important needs for a human are to be fully and wholly loved and to be fully and wholly known. Having lost a child, there are things that I feel that not everyone can understand and leaves a lot to be desired on the fully and wholly known side of the equation.
On the eve of Mother’s Day and with Father’s Day on the horizon, it is important to point out that these holidays are not all the Hallmark commercials make them out to be. There are people who feel a hurt similar to ours in that they have children that they cannot hold, hug or see. On the flip side, there are children (of all ages) who can only imagine what their parents would be like or are trying to navigate the new normal without one or both. And a group that knows the hurt of missing both [parent(s) and child(ren)].
As these holidays creep up, say a prayer for the people that fall into any of the categories. Remember how blessed you are if you have both your children and your parents. Call or text someone you know who may be struggling with the holidays to remind them of the fact that they are known and loved by the people in their circle.
We know that only God can fully know and love us, but we also know that we are His hands and feet. The physical manifestation of a God that we cannot see.
To anyone that fits into any of these categories: I love you and pray you are able to find joy in a time you may very well dread.
To the people that have sent extremely thoughtful cards, flowers, gifts and messages: thank you for making this season more manageable. You are simply the best.
Counting it all Joie,
Ryce](https://i0.wp.com/www.rycespieces.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1100&ssl=1)
I woke up this morning with “Fight Song” playing on repeat in my head. Everyone gets excited about the accomplishment and the achievement, but not everyone knows the pain, disappointment and tears that got me here. I honestly believe God gives you dreams to show you what’s inside of you, but gives you challenges to see if you really want it. I did. This is my story:
Eight years ago, I started the journey of becoming Dr. Ryce. I was accepted into pharmacy school, graduated and was on top of the world. Shortly after, on the first day of school, I was sent packing. I was hurt and embarrassed. I thought I was a disappointment. Calling my mom was the hardest thing I had to do even though it was typically the highlight of my day. I had to say out loud that I had failed.
Over the next month, I had to overcome the tears, lean on my friends and family that supported me while trying to tune out some of the hurtful things that were said to and about me, then rebuild myself for the next stage of the journey. So, I took a job that allowed me to teach and travel. Later, I started teaching high school math with some of the most brilliant teachers, all while getting mentally tougher and surrounding myself with a positive circle of friends. It took 3.5 years for me to be confident enough to try again and when I did, there were still people that told me I was crazy for doing it… I’m proud to say that I tried and I DID!
The past four years have dealt some hard blows as well. The journey has not been easy. I’ve had more disappointments, lost loved ones, dealt with health challenges and even had an accident that I survived that was nothing short of a miracle. These were small tests along the way. Even with all of the challenges, I kept the faith and have been able to finish strong. I am proud to say I will be an alumna of Texas Southern University and will be starting a residency this summer!
Today, as I am hooded and say the oath of a pharmacist, I am proof that dreams do come true and that a detour doesn’t mean defeat. I’m proof that a “not right now” isn’t a “never.” I’m proof that if you FIGHT, you will FINISH! Never allow circumstances or other’s views of what you can do, limit your ability. Never let a hiccup become a hindrance. Always pursue your goals and never give up.
Proverbs says, “In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.” Rachel Platten said “I don’t really care if nobody else believes, I still got a l lot of fight left in me.” People are watching and you might be their source of hope. Add fuel to their fires, but don’t ever hand them the extinguisher.
![I heard recently that the two most important needs for a human are to be fully and wholly loved and to be fully and wholly known. Having lost a child, there are things that I feel that not everyone can understand and leaves a lot to be desired on the fully and wholly known side of the equation.
On the eve of Mother’s Day and with Father’s Day on the horizon, it is important to point out that these holidays are not all the Hallmark commercials make them out to be. There are people who feel a hurt similar to ours in that they have children that they cannot hold, hug or see. On the flip side, there are children (of all ages) who can only imagine what their parents would be like or are trying to navigate the new normal without one or both. And a group that knows the hurt of missing both [parent(s) and child(ren)].
As these holidays creep up, say a prayer for the people that fall into any of the categories. Remember how blessed you are if you have both your children and your parents. Call or text someone you know who may be struggling with the holidays to remind them of the fact that they are known and loved by the people in their circle.
We know that only God can fully know and love us, but we also know that we are His hands and feet. The physical manifestation of a God that we cannot see.
To anyone that fits into any of these categories: I love you and pray you are able to find joy in a time you may very well dread.
To the people that have sent extremely thoughtful cards, flowers, gifts and messages: thank you for making this season more manageable. You are simply the best.
Counting it all Joie,
Ryce](https://www.rycespieces.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
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