The crowd had grown since we’d left for the truck, voices buzzing with excitement. My family flanked me, Seth, and the boys to my right, and RJ and Ari to my left.
Ari handed me the mic, her eyes warm and encouraging. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight and the joy of the moment settle over me, and began to speak to the crowd.
This was my dream. My family, my life, and I was finally ready to share it with the world. The microphone felt heavier than I expected, but the weight wasn’t fear, it was purpose. I took a deep breath and looked out at the crowd, letting my heart speak.
“The little girl in me was afraid of this world. The teenager in me was ready to explore it. The woman in me wanted to grow in it. But the mother in me… the mother in me standing here today wants to change it.”
I paused, letting the words settle. The crowd was quiet, hanging on to every syllable. My hands trembled slightly, gripping the mic.
“We all have a story that shapes who we are and the decisions we make. I’ve been taking care of people since I was young. I never thought I was making a difference until today. I want to help women recover. Take back their lives, their bodies, and their families. I want children and young adults to see their mothers working, growing, thriving in this world the right way.”
Tears threatened to fall, but I kept going. “Today, we open Jo’s Stormi Knights. This recovery home will be a safe haven for any woman who walks through these doors and needs help with their recovery, their lives, their dreams, and their families. I decided to open this home because I was once the little girl who prayed her mom got help and I was the woman who watched her mom get that help. My mother, Jolene Knight, would’ve been two years clean today.”
I swallowed hard, fighting back tears as I spoke into the crowd. I felt Seth’s hand graze the small of my back, steadying me, grounding me.
“I’m honoring her and my community by helping women take their lives back. So, without further delay, let’s open these doors.”
RJ handed me the oversized scissors. My hands shook, but I forced my focus. I cut the red ribbon, and the crowd eruptedin applause. I glanced back and saw Rich holding up a framed photo of Jo. My chest tightened, my breath caught.
Seth leaned close, whispering in my ear, “I made sure she was right here… watching you.”
I pressed a deep kiss on his lips. “I love you,” I said, my voice breaking slightly.
“I love you too, Boss Lady,” he replied, his hand on mine as we broke apart.
I stepped forward and opened the doors. Women and children, families, reporters everyone stepped inside. Cameras clicked, pens scribbled, voices asked questions and I loved every single moment.
Jo’s Stormi Knights wasn’t just a dream anymore. It was real. A life circle completed. A legacy of love, hope, and healing and I was forever grateful.
“Hey, girl,” I whispered as I stepped up to Jo’s headstone. The sun was low, casting long shadows across the cemetery, and the quiet felt as if it was holding its breath with me.
After dinner, I’d asked Seth to drive me by. I needed this, needed to talk to her, even if it felt one sided.
“Today was a success,” I said softly, settling onto the grass beside the stone. My hands rested on my knees as if grounding myself would somehow make her presence feel more real.
“I miss you,” I continued, my voice trembling. “The boys miss you too.” I swallowed hard and brushed a tear from my cheek, hoping it didn’t fall.
I took a deep breath. “Noah came to see me today. Well… we kinda bumped into each other while he was leaving me a note.”
I laughed softly through the lump in my throat, pulling the envelope out of my purse. “Want to read it with me?” I asked.
I carefully opened the note, the paper crinkling between my fingers. My heartbeat faster, nerves and excitement twisting together. I cleared my throat and began reading it aloud, my voice shaky at first, then steadier as I imagined her right there beside me, listening, laughing, and crying along with me.
Hey Stormi,
I’m sorry I missed your grand opening. I know it was amazing because you are amazing. I’m not in the right headspace to be in big crowds right now, but I want you to know I’m proud of you. I see the woman you’re becoming, the mother you’re becoming, and I wish nothing but the best for you and your family.
I want to be there for those moments with you. I just I don’t know how right now. But I’m figuring my shit out. And yeah, thanks for the ass whopping. Honestly, you should’ve done it a lot sooner. Itprobably would’ve saved us both a lot of heartaches and headaches.
I’m sorry, Stormi, for everything. For what Dre did to you. For Jo’s death. For killing your father even though he wasn’t much of a father to you. I know it still hurts. You’ve always been the backbone of this family, and I was so used to you being the strong one that I forgot how much carrying that strength really takes out of a person. I’m glad you got Seth. I know I was hating at first, but I’m happy for you.
I’m going to be gone for a while. I need to change the scenery, get myself together. I don’t want or need you worrying about me. You take care of those boys and the baby on the way. Congratulations again. I can’t wait to meet my niece or nephew. By the time I do, I’ll be a changed man. A better man. And I promise I’ll be the uncle they need, the brother you want, and the man you always knew I could be.
Listen, you know I don’t do this deep shit often, but I promise I’m going to get better.
I love you, sis. And I hope you kill it with the new business.
Love always,
