blogger – Page 108 – It’s Shaun’s World

Hello Sunday

December 22, 2024 Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

Lately, I have been a little more emotional than usual. It took me a minute to figure out why, and I finally have. A rebirth is happening. At least, that’s what it feels like.

Some may think what I’m about to say is weird, and it’s perfectly fine, but the timing of “The Six Triple Eight” movie and my daughter’s upcoming 30th birthday are so intertwined. The 30 years hit me while I was visiting her a week ago. Then, seeing the movie this weekend brought back memories of my experiences in the military around the time of her birth (almost 30 years ago) and the first few years of her life. Y’all, I’ve been crying nonstop this weekend. It feels like I am finally releasing everything I have held in for decades—the stress, uncertainties, and pressure I placed on myself to be a great mother to a child who did not ask to be here. I chose to bring her into this world, which meant I was responsible for making sure she always felt loved, protected, supported, and never like a burden. Those were the things I needed as a child, and I was determined to make sure she had them. And then the song “The Journey” by H.E.R. gets me every time I hear it. Y’all, these past 30 years have definitely been a journey.

Here’s what AI had to say about 30 years—

“It can be a turning point in a person’s life or a time when a historical event’s long-term effects can be seen. … It can be a time when someone realizes who they are, gains self-awareness.”

Whewwww… y’all, this is a lot.

I now realize that 30 years ago, I shut down part of my life to become the best mom I could be, and I know exactly when it happened. That’s a story for another time. Last week, I finally saw the woman my baby girl has become and know that my mission has been achieved. Now it’s time for me to live.

My life definitely changed 30 years ago, and I have absolutely no regrets—I never have. I just adjusted. Seeing my baby girl’s smile today lets me know all my sacrifices were worth it.

Here are two pictures… A lot can change in a year.

Squadron Christmas party in Germany (December 1993).

Squadron Christmas party in Florida (December 1994). Almost 9 months pregnant.

What a journey…

Thanks for allowing me space to exhale and release. I pray you have a glorious Sunday!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

My Journey With God, No. 39

December 21, 2024 Shaun Bradford

After watching a recent interview with Denzel Washington, where he asked God to let him see His face, I decided to ask God to show Himself to me as well, but not in the same way. I wanted to hear Him. I wanted Him to speak to me in real-time and so clearly that I wouldn’t have to question if it was Him. And y’all, He did it. Of course, I didn’t hear His voice, but He answered a very specific question, in detail, through someone else. Listen, can’t nobody convince me that God isn’t real. The crazy thing is that He always talks to me, but sometimes I second guess what I hear. Him answering me as He did only made my relationship with Him stronger.

Seeing this Facebook memory from three years ago puts my request into perspective. God is real, so very real. And the best part is, He loves me!♥️ ~Shaun

hope

Keep Shining Bright

December 21, 2024December 21, 2024 Shaun Bradford

Every time you dim your light, you betray yourself and minimize the glow God has placed inside you. Let your God-given light shine through and let it shine bright!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

The Six Triple Eight, Part 3

December 21, 2024 Shaun Bradford

Yes… I’m back. Hopefully this is the last of my posts about the movie and my military experience.

As a soldier, airman, or seaman, the mission always comes first. You don’t have the luxury of being in your feelings while working. No, you suck them up and get the work done. I was one of the “lucky” (written with lots of sarcasm) ones like the women of the 6888 battalion because my job was mission essential. Meaning, we worked around the clock, 24/7, no weekends or holidays off. We were blessed to have superiors like Major Charity Adams who were generous enough to work breaks in. Morale was everything!

Being a single mom in the military added another level of stress to a job that was already stressful (if you only knew all that my job entailed—whew!). I remember my desire to always overachieve because I didn’t want anyone to use my status as a single mother against me. I never missed work. I always made sure I had a babysitter even when my daughter was sick. I never wanted to be the burden to the group.

When I received orders to go to Turkey, I asked if I could turn them down and accept another location stateside. I was told I couldn’t. That if I didn’t accept the orders I would be forced to get out. So, I had to make a decision—to leave my daughter with my mother who was already struggling to care for my siblings or out process. I told the person handling my case that if I could not take my daughter with me, I would out process. After reviewing my enlistment papers and the orders, I was told I had exactly enough time remaining on that enlistment to do an accompanied tour, which meant I could take my daughter with me. Y’all, that was God! Because I was ready to give it all up if she couldn’t go with me. Then, when I got Turkey, I had 30 days to find someone—a stranger—who could escort my daughter back to the states if a war broke out. Whew! Just thinking about it all brings back so many memories and feelings. I was 24 years old with a little one. I remember walking around base with her in tow trying to get things done. I had a car but it was being shipped over, and I didn’t have the money to keep taking taxis. I would make our little trips adventures so she wouldn’t complain or cry. Most of the time it worked but not always. She was still a child, and when she got sleepy it was over!

I remember this one time when missiles were launched towards our base (yes…Turkey is in a war zone) and the sirens were going off (again, I can relate to the movie), I had to choose between grabbing my chem gear to protect myself or not. I was at home at the time. Had just gotten off of a 12-hour night shift and my daughter was at daycare. My thoughts were if she’s not going to survive, why should I? Fortunately, the missiles were intercepted and life went on. Those were crazy times.

Y’all, I actually made it through those times. This is why I praise God. I have soooo much to be grateful for. So much! I made it and my baby girl made it. We’re here!

Okay… THIS is the last of my military story…at least for now.

Thanks for allowing me to spill.♥️ ~Shaun

To lighten the mood, here are a few pictures from our stay in Turkey. She was 3 when we arrived.

With my friend Destiny (Kader). She owned a tailor shop.

In a hotel in Cappadocia. This was taken after a 6.3 earthquake hit Adana. I was stationed at Incirlik, which is 5-10 minutes from Adana. We had just arrived at the hotel, which was about 3 hours away, and we felt the earthquake there. I had just checked in and was sitting on the bed when I felt the tremors. The electricity went out. And this was 3 hours away! Talk about divine timing on my part! We could’ve been at home when it happened, or on the road. The only damage I had was cracks in the wall and pictures knocked down. Others had it worse. So many in the city of Adana and surrounding areas lost their lives. The next week, we had another one but it was only about 4.5.

My life….

I am beyond blessed.

Grateful🙏🏽

hope

The Six Triple Eight

December 20, 2024March 3, 2025 Shaun Bradford

I finally watched The Six Triple Eight! I waited almost two years to see this movie, and it did not disappoint!

Y’all, I felt as if I had been transported back to the 1940s. However, I heard the commands of “dress right, dress,” calling the room to attention (I hated being that person), and the sounds of Reveille and Taps being played as if it were yesterday. It’s funny how I have been retired from the Air Force for almost 13 years, and tonight, I found myself unconsciously following some of the commands. I know I raised my hand to salute a few times, and I’m so glad I didn’t. I would have been so embarrassed.

One thing I didn’t expect was to cry as much as I did. I believe I cried during three-fourths of the movie, and the majority of it was during Lena’s scenes. I won’t say too much, but y’all, this was so much more than a military movie. It was a love story, a beautiful love story. I didn’t expect that at all! Again, I won’t say much more. You have to watch it.

Overall, the movie was great! Everything was phenomenal, from the writer (my fav – have to give him his flowers) and producers to the fabulous cast and settings! I can’t wait to watch it again tomorrow. Yeah… it was that good!

Here’s a clip of one of my favorite scenes, the marching scene. Y’all, this scene made me so proud. I felt like I was marching with them.☺️ 6888 Marching Scene (Facebook clip)

Well, this is all I have for today! Wishing you a peaceful night and blessed weekend.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Trust Yourself, Trust Your Instincts

December 20, 2024 Shaun Bradford

Here’s what I shared two years ago.

As I suggested two years ago, we trust our instincts to protect us from harm but rarely use them to guide us toward good things. How about we consider reconditioning our mindset to expect good things to happen instead of bad or expecting the best of people instead of the worst?

Trust your instincts to expect and accept good things.♥️

Love you,

Shaun