The Journey
Helena, Arkansas
We often find ourselves asking the same question over and over throughout life: Who am I? We wonder about our ancestry, our roots, and the connections that shape us. We walk this earth knowing where we were born but still feeling uncertain about who we truly are and how we came to be.
The next question that inevitably follows is, "Where do I belong?" Many of us look to our parents or relatives for answers, only to realize that they might not know either. So, where do we search next?
We hear phrases like “live, love, laugh,” or “survive and thrive,” but the truth is, the answer lies within us.
I was born in Helena, Arkansas, in 1981—a small town by the Mississippi River. My mother, Louise Frazier, raised me. She was a blend of humor and no-nonsense, a true southern belle with a sharp edge. She didn’t smile often, perhaps because of the small gap between her front teeth, but that never mattered to me. To me, she was beautiful. Her tough exterior, forged from being a single mother of two, was necessary. It was her strength and her "whatever it takes" mentality that helped me navigate the tough times that lay ahead.
Seattle, what a beautiful place. A bit too rainy for my liking, but it’s easily one of the most captivating places I’ve ever lived. The Pacific Northwest has this strange way of pulling you in and making you stay. With all the art and music pulsing through its streets, it’s easy to see why. Sure, it has its quirks like any city, but that’s part of its charm.
Seattle has been the backdrop for almost everything significant in my life. The brief, golden summers followed by endless gray winters—it’s a rhythm that’s become a part of me. This city is where I grew up, where I found my passion for martial arts, where my baseball career took off, and where my children were born.
But there’s a darker side to this story too. Seattle is where I found and lost the love of my life. It’s where my mother was murdered. It’s where I faced the harsh reality of homelessness. This city has given me joy and heartbreak in equal measure, shaping who I am today. It’s a constant reminder to appreciate where you come from and to keep pushing toward where you’re headed, no matter how tough the journey.
Seattle, Washington
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Hot-lanta—now I get why they call it that! The heat was no joke, but the warmth of the community is what truly left an impression on me.
Atlanta had this undeniable sense of togetherness. People connected over cookouts filled with laughter, stories, and terms of endearment that felt like home. Our house was a decent size with a big yard where I spent countless hours, surrounded by all kinds of critters. The crisp mornings and the relentless humidity were tough to adjust to, but none of that could keep me away from my first love—baseball.
I was lucky enough to play in one of the best Little Leagues in the city, zipping around the bases at Browns Mill Park. In my first and only season, I earned a spot on the All-Star team—a moment that still makes me proud.
But life has its twists, and circumstances took us away from Atlanta just before I had the chance to compete in the 1992 Little League World Series Regional. Despite leaving that chapter behind, those memories remain vivid—a reminder of how much that city gave me, even in such a short time.
Twin Falls, the tranquil charm of Twin Falls had me hooked from the moment I set eyes on the Snake River, with its soothing “no place like home” vibe. At just 17, I found myself at the College of Southern Idaho on a partial baseball scholarship, stepping into a world that was both cozy and challenging in ways I never saw coming.
This small town brought incredible people into my life—including my first fiancée (yes, my first!). Life in “Twin” was a mix of growth, heartbreak, and self-discovery. I learned how to piece together a shattered heart and had the honor of training under the legendary Keith Owen in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. But not everything was smooth sailing. I hit my first real wall in baseball, struggled with homesickness, and faced the harsh sting of bigotry and mistrust for the first time in my life.
It was a trial by fire, forcing me to grow up fast. After just one year, I packed my bags and returned to Washington. Although I left Twin Falls behind, that little town will always hold a special place in my heart—a chapter full of lessons I carry with me to this day. Still, one thing’s for sure: I vowed never to return there as a resident.
Twin Falls, Idaho
Pueblo, Colorado
Pueblo, home of the Thunderwolves—seriously, what even is a Thunderwolf? I wish I could say Pueblo was one of the coolest places on earth, but let’s be real. It was a dry college town near the southern border of Colorado. I can’t deny that it’s surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain views you’ll ever see.
Pueblo threw me into a melting pot of experiences. It was here that I learned what resilience and perseverance really meant during one of the darkest chapters of my life. My dreams of college baseball were shattered by poor choices and performances that just didn’t cut it. Life took a sharp turn when I gained full custody of my oldest son, a responsibility that brought both joy and overwhelming pressure. To numb the pain of constant setbacks, I turned to drugs and alcohol far more than I should have.
I was a single parent with a support system that was barely holding together. Only a handful of people stuck with me, and those few have become my lifelong brothers and sisters. I took every hit Pueblo had to offer, facing each blow head-on.
I came out of it battered, but I survived—just barely.
Henderson, a suburb bordering the Las Vegas strip. I had enough of the nuances the 'Seattle Freeze' had brought me, so I decided to go 'all in' and let go of anything that no longer suited my visions for success.
My tenure here was mostly business and very little pleasure, I left a short career Respiratory and Sleep therapy to chase the dream of becoming my own boss. Survival was tough, and it brought me to depression coupled with loneliness. But I was a fighter, and I reminded myself of that every day. After all, I was in the fight capital of the world! So I tucked my shirt in, laced up my boots, and went to war.
I was determined to persevere and knock down anything that stood in my way. The Las Vegas valley and I have an understanding now. The odds were definitely stacked against me, but I never gave up. And now, I'm excited to share my story with you in my upcoming book.
Get ready to be inspired!
