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Ok I don’t usually get political but I don’t like for anyone to feel marginalized.

Our formerly elected president is trying to do the most right now and it’s doing more harm than good.

For those that aren’t informed or fail to do their research, DEI is more than just blacks, Hispanics or any racial minority. It’s the elderly, special needs folks, LGBT+ community, veterans, so on and so forth.

The federal funds freezing and even DEI still have to pass the House and Senate. There are greater downsides to freezing Social Security, Medicaid and any public aid to those that truly need it.

These types of things are tearing apart our country, rather than bring it together. 

I’m at the age and maturity level where I realize that some things have to change and cannot continue to exist. There has to be a fair, balanced approach to this.

That’s all I’m going to say for now, more will be on a future episode of #ImJustDrew podcast.

#ImJustDrew

I don’t go to the cemeteries often. I honestly haven’t visited my grandparents since COVID. My mom and brother are cremated and I have a spot for their remains.

However I went this past Friday merely to see my recently departed Aunt Betty since it’s a mile from my home.

The grave and flowers looked good, the plate/headstone hasn’t yet arrived. I ended up walking the entire cemetery as Canaan United Methodist has some of my family and people I grew up around that were older when I was younger.

I walked down from grave to grave and I had a moment. I could see these people,  hear their voices, remember their personalities. They shaped my childhood and now adulthood. I’m sure if I walk in other cemeteries it will have the same effect.

It was quite touching, including seeing the older graves from the 1900s. I don’t say this often or at all but I would recommend an annual trip to your family cemetery (preferably with other family members) to reflect and focus.

#ImJustDrew

I decided to separate this from the Holiday Letter due to the growing amount of deaths year over year and to keep morale high in the other letter.

2024 saw me lose a number of people I knew or were close to me. The most recent was my aunt Betty Brazell, passing away after a prolonged illness.

In 2024, the following passed away: Fee Colvin, JR Rodgers, Darriach Mack, Shenita Mack, Mr. BC, Dr. John Porter, Lamont Sutton, Steve Moss, Nancy Conn Corley , Dani Sarratt, Coach Mickey Moss, Ken Bright , Sadi Littlejohn, Evelyn Foster, Ann Farmer, Capresha Caldwell, Keith Swearingen, Boo Boo Ratchford, Pastor Goude, Sheila Camp, Brooks Duncan, Mrs. Joyce Childers, my uncle Buddy Bell, Michael Moss, John Bolin, my cousin Tyler Littlejohn, Mike Hull, Coach Bob Blanton, Tara Lambert, Ruthie Rodgers, John LaFollette, Chris Bowen.

My prayers go out to all of the immediate family and friends affected and celebrating the first holidays without these loved ones.

2024 was overall a good year, a snapback from previous years, a lot of positivity and sunshine after the rain. There were lots of deaths which I’ve decided to highlight in a separate segment of the blog.

Career-wise it’s year 9 with Amazon in the middle of my 10th Peak season. I got my newest promotion to Area Manager back in August and now work in Concord, NC. I got paid to travel to Seattle and Washington, DC for training and that was both fun and informational.

Personal wise, things are also looking up and going well. It took over a year but I closed probate on my mom’s estate. I’m back in the gym, eating healthier again, and working with an NP and herbalist to fight off any long term illnesses.

I didn’t go to any weddings for the first time since COVID but I attended several social events and have even began hosting some small scale stuff at my home. My uncle is still doing great. His side business is growing and he has more customers. He has helped with home improvements with my home and is also finished with my deck! He is now retired from the full time job he took. He and I still enjoy going to baseball games, out to eat and of course Sam’s Club runs.

A lot of good things happened to my family and friends. My aunt Alice Buchanan celebrated her 70th birthday, my cousin Sean Boyd was inducted into the Gaston County Hall Of Fame, my cousin Vicki Giles and her husband Randy celebrated 50 years of marriage. Randy is a success story in himself, being more active and present with his family after depression and dementia kept him isolated for years.

I fell just short of my 100th #ImJustDrew podcast episode by 6 episodes. Platform changes and training for my new position have held that up. The podcast will return in 2025 with all new episodes though!

I purchased a new car, 2024 Hyundai Elantra. My uncle is keeping the other one, even paid to get it running again and is still looking for his dream truck. Life is good right now and I see it getting better as I focus on my health and wellness.

I’m blessed for everyone of you as always, especially those that love on me and mine and check on me periodically. I love each and every one of you!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakuh, Joyeaux Noel, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus and most of all Happy New Year! See you all in 2025! They not like us!

#ImJustDrew

I’m a sucker for some of these viral challenges, even if Tik Tok is influencing 90% of them.

I like how it brings out discussions, dialogue and gets people engaged. I’m the type that likes to get the crowd talking and going.

It will wane before the end of the month/year but I promise you I will enjoy it!

#ImJustDrew

I keep telling folks to look for the common ground, stuff we all agree on. I don’t know anyone that agrees Susan Smith should have been paroled.

Of course she’s the woman who drowned her two toddler sons in John D. Long Lake in Union, SC 30 years ago. She caused more negative publicity to our state and even racial tension as she initially said a Black man kidnapped her children. 

Later on during her prison sentence she slept with prison guards and even gave birth to another child in prison.

I’m a huge champion of forgiveness and not a huge champion of the death penalty or even life sentences. However Susan Smith needs to stay incarcerated for life. She does not seem to have changed nor have malice. If she become sick and frail she can serve out her sentence in a care facility/infirmary. Susan does not need to be around the public right now if ever.

Often it doesn’t matter why we all believe in something.  It’s the fact that we do believe.

#ImJustDrew

I feel when I’m around certain people they heal and recuperate me.

I’m seeing some of these same people starting to bond together.

It goes from my college Homecoming to my friend circle to certain people at work. They pour into me, encourage and are there for me.

My advice is to get that healing at least once/week. It could be your family, spouse, pastor, etc. Life is tough and the world is always nasty. Find that solace and those people that will allow you to be you.

#ImJustDrew ##fromdarktosunshine

Another election has come and gone. Half of the country is rejoicing. The other half is angry. Also if you’re a woman of color, you are likely not ok at the moment.

It matters not that Harris was an underdog going in. It’s how she lost and whom she lost to. I cannot begin to relate to a woman as women (especially of colors) have taken so many Ls and are already born with two strikes on them.

I can only proceed with empathy and tell you all to stay encouraged. What happened is still historic and it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. One day there will be a female president. That day is coming closer and closer.

A certain person can no longer run so it’s another demon to face (bear in mind I don’t have a dog in the fight politically). I just know my sisters of color are hurting and I’m here for all for the ventings and why’s.

#ImJustDrew

Yeah Glo!

I’ve gotten so intrigued with Memphis native and hip hop artist Glorilla. She does make good music and is an insatiable artist. She appears through interviews to be a better person with a down home, country and relatable vibe. She has fast become the baby cousin/niece of the hip hop community and perhaps even the Black community. 

Glo’s presence has elevated through her kind, folksy nature and has even fostered a close friendship with Megan Thee Stallion.  Her smile, laughter and unique accent, including the way she pronounces certain words, have others drawing to her. If you’re from the South, she’s comforting and welcoming. Other regions, you see how she’s kind, playful and not easily offended.

She has haters and critics of course, some may claim it’s a gimmick and she’s like this for clout. Either way, we need more folks that are positive, cool and loving like Gloria Halluejuh Woods.

#ImJustDrew

I definitely don’t understand why it takes a catastrophe for us as Americans and humans to truly come together especially in an election year. I’m glad it’s happening though.

Hurricane Helene is the most devastating storm since Hugo 35 years ago to hit my area. Nearly a month later, power and Internet are restored in every area except portions of Western North Carolina. Several trees and debris are still down though.

I look back and I’m extremely blessed as the storm didn’t affect me as much as it did most others. I’m in a position to help others and give money to relief efforts. Western NC is one of my favorite areas to visit, has been for years. The devastation they’re going through is so near and dear to me. I pray that the survivors get all the relief they deserve and successfully rebuild.

I always thought I was prepared for these types of disasters. It turns out myself and others need more work and supplies. I’m not in a high risk area but I don’t like being caught off guard. I’m even looking into places to go for potential evacuation.

Either way, all of us will be stronger from this together!

#ImJustDrew