From There to Here

    When I first started ccfhv, the entire point of that website was to raise awareness on all of the unsolved murders in Columbiana County but it was much more personal for me. My cousin, Michael Williams, was one of those victims. Since 2005, I have learned a lot. Some good, some bad, but throughout all of it, I have very few regrets. 

    I will be the first to admit that I made a lot of mistakes. I was really naive. I have since learned about politicians, the judicial system, how families can either become closer or implode altogether, I learned that people like to make promises they don't keep and anyone can claim they "care" about your cause, but only if it benefits them. But in the same sense, you can find enormous support from people you wouldn't normally expect it from. I have learned about behavior and profound mental illnesses and that everyone, everywhere struggles with something. 

    I have also been privileged enough to see some remarkable things. I became friends with people that give everything they've got for their passion and have never ceased to amaze me with their kindness and compassion for families. I have also seen the strongest, most resilient people on the planet. I have dedicated around 10 years to further my education and have learned more about behavior than anyone really should, but still get blindsided once in a while, especially when I want to believe in someone so badly, but I am getting much, much, better at that. 

 

     I have known some great Law Enforcement Officers and Detectives and some not so great. The same goes for elected officials and even those in positions that are designed to help victims. 

    I try to always "walk my walk". If I tell you I will do something, I try my best to do it. I have spoken at events with severe walking pneumonia, I have traveled for hours during a snowstorm and having back spasms. I cannot count the times that I have gone to events or stood out in the blazing sun, day after day, event after event. Now please, I am not in any way bragging. I believe that I have been let down so much by people I counted on, that I get ridiculously obsessive about keeping my word because it's the most important thing you can do. 

My own battles with depression and anxiety have emerged and as you will see throughout this blog. But I promised you that I will be honest. I don't sugarcoat the truth. And I am sure some people will definitely NOT appreciate that. If I can inspire a feeling, any feeling, then that is all I want. 

 

     I want you to be comfortable here. I want you to share your thoughts, and submit tips, which I will pass along to the appropriate authorities. I want you to laugh, cry, be inspired, become angry, and be yourself. Hopefully, you will find some interesting content on these pages and maybe even learn something. 

    Welcome to the blog!