Introduction The Story of Sister’s That Been There Remember The Simple Moments Fresh Out Keeping It Real With Yourself Work the Change in Life Things You Should Know A Raw and Uncut Message The Guilt Will Fade Through Family An Invite From Rock Bottom to Freedom To a New Life Walk a Mile in Our Shoes
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http://sistersthatbeenthere.wordpress.com E-mail:
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By Steeda McGruder
he most important part of our sisterhood is that no sister gets left behind -- meaning we help each other by sharing our experience with life and with the struggles that arise with rehabilitation. If you’re not sure what that word rehabilitation means yet, the definition is the restoration of someone to a useful place in society. When you leave Elmwood, you too will begin to be restored to a place where you will be useful to your community. I’m excited to tell you that STBT will help you find your purpose, so you will be useful again. We all have a story that will show how we have been ‘un-useful’ that’s why we end up in our bunch at county, because our ‘lyfsty’ is useless to our community. Our communities are about creating useful relations that will benefit us all in the long run. The women in our group have decided to share their truth with you in hopes that it may penetrate your soul and leave you feeling loved and not alone in your struggles with life today. These women are on the other side of your wall today striving to embrace the uncomfortably that comes with re-entry and push through the old life styles that’s kept us bound to the cycle of incarceration. Keep in mind as you read these stories that you too are, or should be, preparing to set out
on your own journey of re-entry and there will be women that need to know what it’s was really like for you -- the truth, not the fantasy that we all fantasize about. Re-entry is going to be a lifestyle change that will be a life long process that you will need to commit to in order to be successful in your journey. I encourage you to receive the things you can relate with in each story, also if you find yourself having a hard time relating, practice empathy. The definition of empathy is identification with an understanding of another’s situation feelings and motives. When you practice this, it will begin to open your heart to others, which will in turn change your life experiences with other women, and that will create change for your life. The most important to have is on this journey is strong connections and relations with other women. A must have! So enjoy the readings and remember, you too have stories, your own stories, that should be told before it’s too late! Reach out to us and let us share your story in our next issue on or the STBT blog, or just to our to our sisters in the free world and with those that desire to help the re-entry community, write us at:
Sisters That Been There
701 Lenzen Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 (De-Bug Center) Your story needs to be told, let your sister that’s been there tell your truth with understanding.
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By Steeda McGruder
y name is Stacey McGruder, my aka is Steeda, which means Striving To Embrace Emotional Damage Acquired. I am a striker and a felon, I’ve been in and out of the system for the past 17 years of my life. I am also the founder and facilitator of the Sisters That Been There (STBT) women’s support group at the Probation Department. I wonder if you have heard about STBT or if this is your first introduction. Whatever your status is, I hope this story brings you hope as you sit in there and think about the direction of your life. I hope you dream big because all things are possible even for women like us. If no one has told you they believe in you, today I do I believe in you and I believe that if you can dream it you can live it to. This is a true story about how Sisters That Been There was created. October 2010 I was sitting in C3 feeling alone in life also feeling like I had no purpose in life -- same old stuff over and over again. I believe we had star chicken twice that week, one can only eat star chicken so many times. Anyway with all the time on my hands I began to read a book that had been in my library for a while it was called “Where Have All The Smart Women Gone” By Alice Rowe. My first thoughts about this title were “not in here.” I began to read, memories of childhood began to come to me. Kindergarten teachers use to tell me I was smart as a little girl and I began to believe this book. Did God send this book to tell me I was smart and my memories confirm it? So I began to believe that I was smart, and if I’m smart and in jail, than surely you all are just as smart as me. We are the smart women, we are here in jail. I began
to feel my purpose was to come up with a way for us to stay out and use our smarts to keep us free. I took one book and a lot of prayer and meditation and the willingness to surrender my life for the greater good of us as a whole. I began to go to work right there in my cell in December 2010. My vision was clear – I’m going to start a sorority for women who are incarcerated and women who are rehabilitating. I wrote all my thoughts and ideas down. By February of 2011 I was ready and had created the starting point for the sisterhood. I was released a few day after I had finished my plans. I went to Mariposa Lodge and carried my dreams in the same manila envelope that I bought off commissary so that I wouldn’t forget the purpose of my release. Every day of my life from Feb. 14, 2011 has been spent building the foundation of Sisters That Been There. I never gave up, no matter what obstacles came my way and believe me when I say a lot came my way. I kept my packet on me everyday I set out to seek employment and fulfill my terms and conditions of probation. I would be ready when the opportunity presented itself, and it soon did. I spoke about my dream every chance I got. I kept it alive as if it was up and running, and because I shared my dream people wanted to help me make it a reality. That was really different for me. At the same time I was dreaming, I was living in my reality -- probation, parole, outpatient, Manley’s court, pee testing, looking for employment, mother without kids or family around this area and list goes on. I couldn’t allow that to stop me though. Why you ask? Because you believed in Sisters That Been There, and I couldn’t let you down, because I too know how it feels to have people sell you a dream and not achieve it. We see everyday in there. I was asked to speak at a community meeting about re-entry, and in that meeting I told all kinds of City and County officials about the things we all need as we
get out. I told them how I would let you all know about the help the community is trying to provide for us, and then I spoke about Sisters That Been There and what I would like to see happen with us. And when I was done, I was asked by probation to create a women’s group for the probation population. I jumped on the opportunity with a feeling of nervousness. I was thinking to myself, I hope they know I’m still on probation, and they did. My dream had reached people I never expected it to, and fast. It had only been eight months that I had been out. We started facilitating a women’s group at the Probation Department in December 2011. The group has been a success and has impacted women of all walks, all races, all ages, and most importantly all criminal backgrounds. The concept of a felon helping another felon has been known as risky, but it’s been incredible to those who are ready to believe in the change taking place in our community. Women began to complete the 16 week program and get jobs and then achieve the miracle “get off probation early.” We were all in shock that probation kept
there promises to us, and the women that received early termination worked there socks off to get it. We continued to be successful. The Mercury News put us on the front page of the local section. Now you and I both know that the most important part of the newspaper to a woman doing county time is the local, so you can imagine how important this was for us as a whole. The first thought when I picked up the paper was I hope they can see this. That’s all I wanted. It didn’t stop there. People began to acknowledge our change and value our opinion. The system began to reach out to us for our help to stop recidivism. The vision became a reality to our community and many different people all around the states. In our words, people are feeling Sisters That Been There and what we are about. The voice we wished we had to speak up on our behalf is here. Sisters That Been There is here to advocate for women who are in search of their voice through the system. Our voices are being found and set free. If you don’t believe that, just look at me!
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By Gabby
remember getting up at 4am and getting ready for work waiting for the C.O.’s to unlock my door and release me to go work. I can close my eyes and feel my feet on that pavement. I can see the moon in the night sky wishing I could just lay down on the grass and look up at the sky and just chill. If I would have done that, you already know it would’ve been all bad. No freedom to do something so simple. Last night, my best friend called me around 10pm. He just got his “L’s” (license) and asked me to go with him for a ride. We drove to the mountains. I remember thinking, “oh my god, the stars were so close!” I could almost touch them. The backdrop against the city lights. 15 months with out the night sky. Those moments that make me think harder, Elmwood is locked down at 9pm. In Chowchilla it’s locked down at 9. No phone call from a friend, no freedom to put my hands on a doorknob, turn it and put my foot out the door. Simple things. The day I got released from Chowchilla I got dizzy in the car, we had to pull over so I could throw up. My little sister and my mom were rolling, laughing at me and I just laughed with them. I can remember being on my bed just wanting to feel and squeeze my little sister tight …so tight
now that I can. We watched “The Little Mermaid” and “Rio” together. We played before she went to bed. We woke up at 7am and got ready for school. I have so much joy from walking her to the bus stop. My brother taught me how to use facebook. My mom looks at me with this crazy joy in her eyes, she hugs me tight and she tells me she loves me. The other night me and and my little sister were laying in bed and she said “Gabby, can I tell you a secret? I said “yeah, Chetos I’m your big sister, you can tell me anything.” Guess what she said. She says, “Gabby, I love you.” I started to cry and of course she laughed at me. These are the moments I longed for the most, I went more than the 15 months I was locked up with out seeing my family because I was gone and lost. But I tell you what, now that I have them again, I can reflect on the good times I’m having with my family. Thinking back on how I use to lay in bed and stare at their pictures on the wall, exhale deeply, try and stay distracted by TV so I didn’t miss them because it hurt so bad. I chose time with my family over time with so called friends that just lead me to time alone with pictures on the wall and a video playing in my head am good were I’m at. But now, I know that I don’t have to play that video anymore, because I’m actually living it.
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By a Sister That’s Been There
just got out four days ago and been clean for 3 weeks. It’s rough out here to stay clean. You need to keep yourself busy at all times so you don’t have a chance to get bored. I know the hardest thing for me is to stay away from every one I know, but you have to learn to cope with the fact that if you put yourself in an unhealthy or bad situation your more likely to fall back into your addiction. Sometimes you try testing yourself by putting yourself in bad situation, which is not the smartest idea we ever had. Just remember how you feel while you’re locked up. For example, how much you don’t like the food or the clothes and remember that when you’re free you can have and do what you wish as long as you make the right choices. Look forward to having your freedom back, but also be careful because it’s scary since we control what we do. I know personally I’ve always been the type of person to see how much I can get away with, which usually puts me somewhere I really don’t want to be. So when you get released I suggest you stay in a good clean healthy environment, around good influences, and most importantly, remember how important your freedom is to you and what you always miss when your locked up.
By a Sister That’s Been There
’m writing this letter to share my experience in hopes you can avoid some of the pitfalls I hit. While incarcerated I was given an opportunity to do a phone assessment for drug treatment, and in my rush to get out of jail I said what they wanted to hear. They recommended residential treatment with an extension because for one it helped me to bond with other people who wanted to change their lives. That’s so vital to making changes in life. It also got me into a routine of doing the right thing on a daily basis. If I had known how to do that myself I wouldn’t have been sitting in jail time after time. Being patient with myself is critical to my life because things are going to take time. I found out there’s a whole lot of walking and that is not something I was expecting. If you are fortunate enough to get an out patient program, please ask your counselor for a case manager, and they can help get you a 3 month bus pass. Also Santa Clara adult education will help you get a bus pass if you enroll into their classes. Bus 81 takes you there, they also help with resumes and they offer you a free lunch. They also help with ID vouchers that lower the price to 8 dollars. There are a lot of resources for you. Getting realistic with yourself is a key to not going back to old behaviors and taking advantage of the resources helps eliminate going back to old hustles that put you back in jail. Keep those people out of your life, you know the ones, go to lots of meeting and groups, and talk to people! I was released September 15th, 2011.
e Lemus
By Jane
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y life has been a vicious cycle of drugs and gangs. I was born into this life. My mom has been in prison for the last 21 years of my life. My dad was murdered when I was 6-months-old. I grew up learning how to lie, steal, and commit crimes -- they all seem to be the right way to live. I never went to school, I was always getting into trouble, I wasn’t a happy kid. I was lost not knowing which way to go. I always ran from my problems. I self medicated with drugs and was always tired from staying awake for so long. If I complete the Sisters That Been There program what will my life look like? Well I’ll tell you one thing, I will be proud of myself. I know I’ll find happiness, doors will start to open for me, and I can start taking care of myself. I’m in a THU treatment housing unit. I wake up, make my bed, and start my day in a totally different way. Everything has changed for the better now that I’m clean. I love not having to stress off of what I’m going to eat or where to sleep next or if I owe money. My judge sees my progress and helps me with my bus passes and I’m doing great. I think I have a job lined up, so I’ll have a paycheck soon. I’m becoming a productive member of society. I’m happy and I can be a positive role model for my family. I can show my mother the right way to live life and that anything is possible. Change is worth it if you work it.
Things You Should Know
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By Barbara
on’t rush and don’t overwhelm yourself with too many things you think you need to do. Make a list of the most important things you need to do first, follow through with each thing one at a time, even if you have to get up at 5:00 am and walk to the bus stop. Walk to the lightrail and then walk to your destination. It might take several hours, but once you’ve accomplished this, you feel good about yourself and you’re ready to do it again. If you do what you’re supposed to do everyday, life gets easier. People start to recognize you and all your accomplishments, and good things start to come your way. The most important thing you must do is don’t drink or use. Life gets better, just ask for help. My family today loves me and trusts in me, they also believe in me. I was released from prison January 28, 2012 and got off probation this September. Change is possible, just follow some suggestions!
A Raw and Uncut Message to Those on Their Way Out
By a Sister That’s Been There
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o whom it may interest, what’s good? I’m beginning this letter by stating that it is written with the utmost respect. With that being said lets continue. So you’re coming home soon huh? Are you excited or nervous? Anxious? Well that’s sort of my purpose
for writing to you with your time winding down. I really hope you use these last few days to really evaluate your situation. I know right now you probably have all these different mixed emotions and ideas. Well my advice to you is STOP and take a breath, cause the only thing your doing is overwhelming yourself, and trust that the only thing that does for you is help you fuck yourself over. Once you leave county you got two options. 1: you can get out and do what you think you got to do in order to survive and most likely your outcome will be the very spot your in now. Or 2: Prepare yourself for a ‘not-having-shit’ struggle if you’re coming home to absolutely nothing. I know your first thought is what am going to do? From my experience I can tell you the best thing to do is bite the bullet and swallow your pride. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Check into a shelter, if you have to go to meeting and establish a support group, do whatever is necessary to stay legit and keep your freedom. I say that because I can promise you there isn’t any half stepping on option one if you want to make it this time. Once you start to fuckin’ up you’ll find another reason to keep fuckin up. The bullshit ain’t worth it, so really think about option 2, cause even though it’ll feel like the worst option, I can promise you that it will be worth it in the end!
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By Jackie
ust touched down and things are not the same. Guilt played and still plays a major role in my life, post release and pre-release. When I was arrested I felt guilty. I was embarrassed for my family and friends. At court, I asked my family to not attend because I felt so guilty. During my incarceration I tried to keep my spirits on even ground by not feeling or thinking about my decision.
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By Andrea
opefully this letter finds you in good spirits. I’m here to let you know that there are women out here (I am one of them) who cares about you and don’t want to see you go through these struggles anymore. We are here for you when you get released even if you think its bullshit, it will never hurt to come. Please give yourself a chance to live a good life, it will be hard but it always gets easier. If nothing else, just know that there are other women who have been where you are and want better for you. Know that change is possible because it is happening for us!
I felt guilty not being with my family, they were having a hard time without me. I had always been the heart and soul of the family. I was the “go to “ person and they had no one to go to. Guilt consumed me. My thoughts everyday were about how I was going to make it up to them. We all communicated consistently while I was incarcerated. The day of my release, my husband (of 33 years), son, and dog were at the gate to pick me up. My daughter was at work so she couldn’t be there. We met her for lunch as soon as we arrived, the four us. We were together again and everything seemed right. The next day I went to see a probation officer after the meeting, I felt further incarcerated due to the restrictions of my probation. My guilt continued to be present in my life because I couldn’t be with my husband who moved out of state for a job. I have guilt that my family is now my “go to” for love and support. Roles are switched now but my guilt is still here for them but it is fading with time though.
By Susana
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y name is Susana Ramirez. I am the third oldest of eight family members. When I was 7 years old our family came to the United States to live in San Jose. I grew up on the East Side all my life. Growing up I was good child, liked going to school participated a lot. I had both parents in the household, 4 sisters, and 3 brothers. My father at the time of my young years used to be an alcoholic. My mother was always busy just cooking and being the good mother and wife. All this was normal in our family. I caught up in my education and became a “nerd.” I loved homework and accomplishments to show off my mom and dad. But from my dad I never got a “I’m proud of you” or nothing. He never showed up in nothing that was special or important to me. He was always just drinking and abusive towards me and my mom. It always seem like it was just towards me. To the point where I thought he wasn’t my “real dad.” Even though I was a good child, I never got to go out with friends, or couldn’t have friends come to my house. Never got
to do nothing even though I was good. It didn’t matter. Anyhow, I always liked taking care of babies, to the point when there was family parties I would be taking care of the babies, instead of playing or having fun. When I was 11 yrs old my mom sent me to my uncles house to babysit because he was a drunk and couldn’t take care of his kids, while his wife was in the hospital with one of his kids that got sick. That day changed my life as a young girl. He tried to molest me. Since they lived in the garage and another aunt lived inside the house, I was able to run from being sexually abused from my favorite uncle. I ran to my aunt inside the house, she knew something had happened to me because I was crying and in straight shock. I guess I blacked out because when I woke up I was already back home. So this was a “secret” all my life. The only person that knew what happened was me, my aunt, my uncle, and my mom. I grew up feeling violated, and my resentments and anger grew. At age 14 I started running away. At
age 15 I ran away thinking I was gonna have fun and not face my family. I ended up meeting someone that I ended up being with, got pregnant, and by age 17 I was a mother of two beautiful girls. I was a young mother and was happy. That relationship ended at the age of 18 yrs old. From their on I met another man who loved me and my girls. I started smoking marijuana with him till I was 21. Slowly but surely I started being curious of crystal meth, so he introduced me to it. He let me know that the drug was gonna cause destruction in our relationship and in my life. I didn’t think it was at the time, but eventually after that first hit I started hitting rock bottom. I went to jail for being under the influence of meth. At age 22, that’s where my destruction of my life really started for me. That didn’t stop me because by then I was so addicted, I was using regularly. My family noticed but I was always denying it. I was ashamed but didn’t care because I thought I was a “Functional Addict,” which took care of my daughters and provided them everything. All this was happening till the point that by the age of 27, my two daughters were taking from me from CPS. Not for drug related purposes but family problems. I lost my family (two daughters), my house, and myself! I tried getting them back, but not hard enough. That was a big impact in my life, I didn’t have nothing no more. All I had was memories, a pipe, and surrounded myself with so called “friends.” I started stealing and going to jail more often. I ended up in rehabs. I couldn’t make it. I was a “Full-Blown Addict” so to provide for my addiction and maintain myself I started “selling meth.” By this time I had went to jail about 6 times. Still,my family was always there for me. But I had anger and resentments with them. They always helped me financially, but that wasn’t what I needed. I wanted my life back. My kids. By the age of 29, I went to prison for transportation for
sales. I was gone for 11 months. I wasn’t scared but it was a big realization in my life. I made goals while I was in there, accomplished my G.E.D and maintained my sobriety. I could of done drugs while in there, but I didn’t because I wanted to change. After I got out I was good for about 3 months.Then little by little I started hanging around with old friends. And again, here goes “Susie fucking up!” In an instant after that first hit, I hit rock bottom.I started hitting it again until I went back to jail, for “Intent to Buy” by some set-up with the narcs! Wow, now they were trying to give me some time, this last time I was very scared, when they started with 14 years I was tripping hard. So now I sit here writing this, blessed by God, I got out 6 months later. Out and free! Literally, I see things very different ”with God in my life.” I can do it. Because on my own, I failed, over and over. My God has giving me Peace, Joy, Happiness, that no one can ever give me. I never felt the way I feel now. That is a “Spiritual Awakeing.” Now I don’t feel anger, resentments, loneliness, fear, nothing, I left it in God’s hands. He’s giving me a 2nd chance to living a happy life. The key to happiness is God! I truly believe that with all my heart. And for all those who’s had a rough life, don’t give up. Because God never gives up on us. He loves us regardless, he loves us enough he gave his only Son, Jesus Christ to pay for our sins. To save us from this worldly life for one day to live in Heaven for Eternity. So find him, because he’s been waiting there, next to you, with a smile on his face. Now, there’s no limits where my life can go because I’m following my Lord. Sisters That Been There to me is part of a family that encourages me in my new journey in my recovery. That makes me feel loved by women that’s been there, that understand me and love me as for who I am.
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y name is Tania Gallegos. I was born on July 29th, 1993 the city I know and has been my home since day one is San José. I’ve been through a lot of fucked up shit. I’ve witnessed some terrible things no kid or anyone should have to see. I was four when I experienced my first drug raid, can’t remember much just dogs and big guns. My dad was sentenced to prison and with no father figure or bread winner around, my mom stepped up and took charge. Living in a single parent household was hard especially in the beginning, when all I wanted was my dad. Visiting him in jail and seeing him through glass is one of the very few memories I have of him. The last thing I can remember is him telling me to keep safe and always look after him and my mom. Even though my mom was in her own addictions she did the best she could in our situation. Being a parent to my siblings at a young age was not a choice and if I didn’t do it no one else would, they needed me to step up. I was robbed of my childhood, always looking after my lil’ brothers getting up extra early to fix ourselves up for school, walking to school, and making sure my baby brother diapers were changed and he was fed and sleeping.
By Tania Mind you I was only 9-10 at the time. In between all that chaos and struggles I suffered from a molestation that left me feeling ashamed and belittled. After my mom found out, she went through another depression and turned to alcohol. Living in an environment like that was a struggle in itself. It kind of felt like living in a hamster cage. Weird, but to this day I associate my childhood to that! I fell into my own depression. I was like a zombie for a few years in those years from age 10-12. We were moved into protective custody and placed at a foster home. There was no way my mom could take care of us in her state of mind. Being in foster care was sad, no sense of home, and basically being a intruder into somebody else’s family. Foster parents were not trying to help us. All they cared about was the extra money they would get for keeping us. My brothers and I wore raggedy ass hand me downs, most of which didn’t even fit properly. Physically and verbally abused, not having the power to speak up, finally my aunt got custody of us. I began my healing process regarding my molestation and family separation through moderate 1 on 1’s and group counseling. Everything started looking better, visits with a healthier mom and slowly reunifying. I felt somewhat nor-
mal when we officially moved back into my mom’s house. But after staying there and seeing the life in a different perspective of the streets I took off late nights partying, straight not giving a fuck. Being a young reckless kid with no concern for others or myself in and out of jail for petty things. And by the grace of god I was never caught for other things. I was with my 1st babies daddy up and down and chilling with all his people. I remember my mom chasing me down the neighborhood and talking hella shit to me and the homies and all of this and I was only 15 in my second semester of high school sophomore year. I got pregnant and my babies dad left in the quickness. He was 25 years old and my mom was not having it. 15 years old, in high school, a single mom living with my mom who is also a single mom -- what a cycle. Falling for the wrong person and paying for the consequences. Finding out I was pregnant was honestly a blessing that changed my life completely. With only 47 credits for freshman year and sophomore year, I had to go to continuation school but even that wasn’t enough. I busted my ass in weekend classes online classes just to graduate with my class, which I did! Even through all the struggles and pain I made it but it all went south from there I started smoking dope and chilling with the wrong crowd. Doing the same stupid shit as before, just this time I was a lot older and it wasn’t juvie anymore. But still, I didn’t care. Up and down in different cars everybody just cruising county to county. Meanwhile my son was at home crying for me, I was just in and out to shower and eat come down and then bounce again. Personally I think all of this stemmed form growing up in the same kind of environment. My mom got tired, called the CPS on me. I had a case plan to do and I failed completely. I felt alright knowing my son was with my mother, so I continued to do what I was doing up until September 11, 2012 when
I came to my bottom ending in jail and loosing total custody of my boy. I couldn’t believe it, second time in Elmwood except this time I wasn’t getting out so fast or easy. I was alone. My so called friends were nowhere in sight, no money on the books, no nothing. The only ones there were my family, even after everything I did to them. I was sentenced to do a couple of months. I wanted to go into a program so I arranged it up to Mariposa for the holidays. It was hard but I knew I was at the right place, I was there until December 26th and then I went through a THU and began outpatient testing and meetings -- the whole package all to get right for myself and be a better mom. I fell down a few times, but after all I went through I know that the lifestyle I was chasing is not for me. I have plans and dreams to accomplish now. I’m presently in a THU which I’m getting ready to exit, graduate all my programs, and reunify with my son. I’m expecting a little girl. It feels good to have all this hard work pay off. Along the way I found some amazing people and a lot of inspiration. I’ve also gotten very close to my God. I’m part of an amazing support group (STBT) and I have a wonderful relationship with my folks. One day at a time, I know if I keep doing the next right thing I will make it. For my future, I expect great things. With all the resources, I now have people to go to, I received a scholarship to go back to school and a place willing to help me finish my schooling doing something I love -- the medical field. I’m looking forward to being a productive member in society, the best mom I can be for my kids, a healthy woman, and someone that can help other people. That includes getting women out of the cycle of incarceration, being there for someone to talk to, or impacting them with the inspiration that it is possible and there are better things out here than chilling between four walls. There’s life out here ladies, lets make the best of it!
By Steeda McGruder Walk a mile in our shoes I guarantee you’ll feel the blues and get a gimps of the battle your bound to loose walk a mile in our shoes and time will drag people on the outs are destined to lag walk a mile in our shoes feel the importance of mail feel the way it warm’s up even the coldest cell walk a mile in our shoes you will see the unseen you will find your self walking in the land of lost dreams walk a miles in our shoes and you will come to a stop you find a sisterhood that will take you to the top walk a mile in our shoe and your destined to win your destined to have the chance to never go back in walk a mile in our shoes you wouldn’t change a thing take the shoes your wearing and then start comparing similarity of the women that walked in those shoes are indeed the same women that felt that same exact blues walk a mile in our shoes you’ll see the time that dragged is the same time we all had and those people that lagged were the only people any of us had and the importance of mail is why we can’t fail the warmth of that cell is what keeps us from jail the unseen remains the same no need to take on all that shame that land of lost dreams no longer serves the rehabilitating team we are on our way to the top because we hold the keys to our own locks destined to win as long as we don’t run in old circles again walk a mile in our shoe -- sisters that been there.