Editor Message CONGRATULATIONS! I’ve waited for the month of May 2019 to come since the day you were born on September 3rd, 2000. The moment I held you in my arms I fell in love with you. I admit I felt overwhelmed, nervous, and unsure of myself because now I had a little person depending on me. I remember going to my parents’ house for two weeks and I tried to soak in all that I could from my own mother about being a mother knowing when I left their house, I was heading to Ames on my own to pursue a degree and raise you on my own. It was you and I against the world, we had a bond that has carried us through. I’ve watched you grow over the years, and you never wanted to leave my side. As your mom I wanted to make sure I was doing the best for you. I pray that you always felt protected, loved, and cared for. The moment I realized you were going to be ok was when you lost your dad. He was taken away from you and your brother way too soon, but I saw something in you that I’ve never seen before. I saw growth take place in you as you forgave the man who took your father from you. I watched you speak words in the court room as you looked him in the eyes and said these simple words, “I forgive you”. I know it May 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 7 won’t be easy as you walk across that stage and a piece of you will feel lost without your dad, but when you look up you will see the village of people who love and are so proud of you. I’ve waited for this moment since we met, and I want you to know that I’ve never been prouder of you than I am at this moment. I have no doubt that you are going to grow into a young lady who will be guided by the Spirit, and will treat everyone with love. On May 25th I release you into adulthood knowing that you are going to be an amazing woman who will make an impact on everyone that crosses your path. I want to congratulate you Nautika Ann-Marie Bradley-Norman on your upcoming graduation. As my daughter, you’ve touched my heart and every part of our motherdaughter journey has been filled with good, bad, sad, and happy moments, but we made it, you made it! I’ve told you this all your life, but I’ll say it one more time. Keep your hands in God’s hand, trust in Him and He will never lead you wrong. I love you! The best is yet to come! -Dwana Bradley Dwana Bradley , Editor of Urban Experience Magazine These last eighteen years I’ve shared all that I’ve learned in life and have given you all that I could.
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