08/26/2026
Everyone has their Dolly story and I felt moved to share mine!
It isn't lost on me that this was my cousin's first dance
song at his wedding to another man. While I was suffering at that moment, I watched two young men who have experienced hate and oppression find love and light and joy and share it with the rest of us! It made me view my suffering differently at that time and offered me hope.
Life has a funny way of giving us second chances. This past January, Minneapolis yet again experienced continued violence and terrorism against our immigrant community as 🧊 agents kidnapped our neighbors from their homes. My PTSD symptoms returned with so much vigor I was afraid all that I had gained was lost in an instant. Somehow, I was not only able to not only overcome those symptoms but also I didn't need to shy away from helping my community.
Then in February 2026 Brandi Carlise performed in Minneapolis holding space for our pain. My husband and I tuned in live on the radio. This song came on, once again giving me hope, but this time it served as a reminder. It reminded me that I am strong, resilient and NEVER alone.
What's your Dolly story?