Kareem Puranda

After sharing my life story with people, I am often told I should write a book. However, my biggest obstacle is time. I work full time as a father, husband, and substance abuse counselor. When I reflect and share life experiences that have prepared me for the next chapter of my journey, I am reminded of how the adversity has always helped me to grow.

Police officers work hard to protect and serve their communities. The badge and uniform adds a bitter sweet taste to the lifestyles of those who undertake the responsibility. Today police work requires risking life and being resilient against the scrutiny for that effort. Critics of law enforcement are not always privy to the psychological, emotional, and physical strains police officers undertake on a daily basis. The great things police officers do are often overshadowed by the media's ability to mislead and sensationalize controversial events involving law enforcement encounters.

Storm clouds form at the onset of a rain storm. Generally that is a sign to prepare accordingly… Should you choose to ignore the signs then the consequences can be greater than the steps toward prevention.

First Washington now Colorado….and the trend begins! I think this is a great victory for all who enjoy the pleasantries of smoking marijuana in those states. Many laws surrounding simple possession and various intent to sell and deliver criteria’s have seemingly targeted minorities disproportionately and landed them in either jail or on a probationary sentence that imposes fees which most probationers cannot afford. Some probationers have explained that it is a matter of deciding whether or not to pay fees or buy groceries at the expense of an active sentence.

On the week of thanksgiving I visited a dentist because I was experiencing severe discomfort on the right side of my mouth every time I chewed. After running a few tests and x-rays, the doctor informed me that I had a fractured molar. The tooth had been damaged to the point where it agitated a nerve which also contributed to mild headaches and earaches. All of these conditions were caused by this fractured tooth which the doctor and I assumed was a result of habitual ice chewing. The doctor indicated that my safest option was to extract the tooth because it could potentially get infected since the tooth was fractured to the nerve. Talk about great timing… NOT! I became extremely concerned about my ability to eat on thanksgiving because I like to eat. I was bothered by not being able to enjoy the meals and desserts that are only prepared during the holidays. This concern prompted me to explore immediacy and the existential meaning behind this internal event. How did this one tooth make a significant impact among the other 31 that were ready and willing to entertain some thanksgiving grub and how does that apply to life in general? There was meaning in this moment….