Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Fallen Soldier Leaves Journal for His Baby Boy

Hey Cocoa Fly Readers. I hope you're enjoying what's left of the Memorial Day Weekend. Much love and prayers to our men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect our country. When I say "lives" I don't just mean their mortality. Soldiers sacrifice their love lives, family lives, social lives with friends.

I caught an interesting story today on NPR's Tell Me More. To the left is New York Times Senior Editor Dana Canedy, her partner 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King and their son Jordan. Sgt. King was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb in 2006. During his service in Iraq, he wrote a 200-page journal with life lessons for his son in case he didn't return home alive. Sgt. King saw his son only one time. Candey tells their story in A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor. Go here to read an excerpt from the book and listen to Dana Canedy's interview.

There are some men who won't even stop what they're doing to buy diapers for their babies. Sgt. King was in a war zone, surrounded by death, violence and madness. But this brotha took time from the battlefield to write a guide to life for his infant son. That's love.

Photo:
Family Portrait from A Journal for Jordan website

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