As I sat waiting for her I wondered what our conversation would be like . I recalled the warmth of her smile that I would witness occasionally on television wondering if it would emanate from her ... and then she appeared and I was not disappointed .
Her smile exuded innocence despite the tough cookie I kept hearing she was . It radiated openness and inclusion despite having a life that would dictate otherwise . Her smile suggested satisfaction , not in a complacent way but in a way that says I am okay with me in this moment and what you see is who I am ... her energy is powerful , yet , subtle .
We hugged as if it was not the first time meeting .
Just before we start she pauses to centre herself . I watch as she takes deep breaths , perhaps , to ensure that whatever will be said would allow me to experience a place that she has been , but wants me also to visit , not physically but mentally . I brace myself for what I knew instinctively would be an emotional ride , not for her , but for me who will hear it for the first time .
The central theme of Kiki ’ s message to all of us as women is to never quit and that there is joy beyond the past .
This rings deep for her and she is the perfect example of not quitting having gone through all of what she has . Under her “ girlie and sweet exterior ” lies a tough cookie who fought her way through many tough challenges that is not for the faint of heart .
Me : So happy that you chose to share your story with us here at TheBeyondWoman . Tell me about Kiki
Photo By : Tivar Seivwright Photography Wardrobe - Sabritru Makeup - Kerie Kiki Lewis .
She first expresses joy at being in this moment and being able to talk about what has been taking place with her since her hiatus .
Kiki : A young girl who endured physical and verbal abuse , having left home at age 15 and at a point where she needed guidance . Got arrested at age 19 had her first child at 19 ( behind bars ) and lost her father in a car accident . ( She was released and got home on the eve of her father ’ s funeral ).
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