It was the last meeting for the year for Women2Women, and a very enjoyable time it has been. Since our first meeting in May we have averaged an attendance of 30-40, with the exception of our Martha Lanier event. There were many familiar faces, and some new ones as well. I understand that it isn't possible for everyone to attend every meeting and thankfully we have continually attracted new women every month. Some come out of curiosity, some come as a guest, but we are always excited to see them come!
Yesterday, I spoke about the ending of the Brian Nichols trial and the effect his mistakes had on his life. On Saturday, the sentencing for Brian Nichols was completed. I'm not even going to get into the aspects of the trial or the who's or why's of the entire ordeal or why he should or should not have gotten the death penalty. My attention to the outcome and the reason I became glued to the TV to watch as the sentences were read was to see Brian Nichols reaction to it all. I watched his facial movements, expressions, hand gestures, and where he was staring with his cold, dark eyes.
Of course I wondered what he was thinking. Was he sorry? Was he remorseful? It was hard to tell. So I let my mind wonder back many years ago and saw a little boy named Brian Nichols. He was about 5-6 years old. He loved his mom, riding his bike, and school. He was as excited about life and growing up as any 5-6 year old boy could be. Even as a teenager, he could never in his wildest imagination dream that one day he would be sitting in a court room with hundreds of people and thousands more watching him on television to see if he would live or die by the hand of the law. Sitting there, he must have felt like the most hated person in the world. He sat straight and upright. I wondered if he was wishing he could crawl under the table and hide like the little boy he once was. As I sat there watching, I began to feel empathy for Brian Nichols and wondered "where did it all go wrong?" He made a mistake, then another, and another. Does he wish he could go back in time and change things? My thoughts turned to my own life, and I realized how many hundreds of mistakes I have made. No, I never killed anyone or committed heinous crimes. But I have made many mistakes that could have resulted in much different outcomes in my life. I began to be thankful that if given the chance to have a "do over", I believe I would end up pretty much where I am right now in my life. Maybe a little more successful and healthy, but no real dramatic changes.
In the end, they led him away from the courtroom in cuffs and chains. And I'm not saying he didn't deserve to lose his, but there was just something about watching someone else lose their freedom that made me SO PROUD that I still have mine! I spent the rest of the weekend feeling grateful for my opportunity to live, work, and be free in spite of my mistakes!
Of course I wondered what he was thinking. Was he sorry? Was he remorseful? It was hard to tell. So I let my mind wonder back many years ago and saw a little boy named Brian Nichols. He was about 5-6 years old. He loved his mom, riding his bike, and school. He was as excited about life and growing up as any 5-6 year old boy could be. Even as a teenager, he could never in his wildest imagination dream that one day he would be sitting in a court room with hundreds of people and thousands more watching him on television to see if he would live or die by the hand of the law. Sitting there, he must have felt like the most hated person in the world. He sat straight and upright. I wondered if he was wishing he could crawl under the table and hide like the little boy he once was. As I sat there watching, I began to feel empathy for Brian Nichols and wondered "where did it all go wrong?" He made a mistake, then another, and another. Does he wish he could go back in time and change things? My thoughts turned to my own life, and I realized how many hundreds of mistakes I have made. No, I never killed anyone or committed heinous crimes. But I have made many mistakes that could have resulted in much different outcomes in my life. I began to be thankful that if given the chance to have a "do over", I believe I would end up pretty much where I am right now in my life. Maybe a little more successful and healthy, but no real dramatic changes.
In the end, they led him away from the courtroom in cuffs and chains. And I'm not saying he didn't deserve to lose his, but there was just something about watching someone else lose their freedom that made me SO PROUD that I still have mine! I spent the rest of the weekend feeling grateful for my opportunity to live, work, and be free in spite of my mistakes!
We had an enjoyable 'roundabout' with everyone having a chance to introduce themselves and at my encouragement, share with us what they really need for 2009. Asking for what we need for ourselves is not always easy for independent women. It's easier to ask for help for someone else, and we should accept that it is OK to ask for help sometimes.
At the suggestion of Paula Pride, I have set up a Women2Women Business Networking Group on Facebook. Paula and I will be available to assist everyone who wishes to join the group. I have sent email invitations to each of you. If you already have a facebook profile, please join the group. If you do not have a facebook profile, and need assistance please contact me or Paula at 706-461-9029.
Courtney Roberson suggested a Self Defense Class for Women, and offered to help organize the time and place
for that. Watch for more information regarding the date and time for this event. There will be no charge to attend. This sounds like an exciting and fun event and I am looking forward to it.
for that. Watch for more information regarding the date and time for this event. There will be no charge to attend. This sounds like an exciting and fun event and I am looking forward to it.The women who attend our meetings are survivors, overcomers, driven, and do not accept failure and despair. I am so blessed to have met you all, and I thank you so much for your support and friendship. My goal for Women2Women is to continue to grow to be a resource for all women in Dawson County. You are the lifeforce of our community. Individually, we may not make a tremendous impact on our community. But together as a team of strong women helping each other we will grow and not only survive the economic downturn, but become even more successful than we ever have been before. The new year will present itself with many new challenges, but if we are eager to find them there will be new opportunities for all of us.
I wish for you a Wonderful Holiday with your family and friends. Again, thank you for believing in me, supporting me and sharing your time and friendship with me. I support YOU!
God Bless You All...Sincerely & from my heart,
Kimberly Wilson
