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Finding the Star Within |
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speech from the 2007 Big Springs Dedication |
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Text of Address given by Layla Torkizedah Williams ’94, HCYR Alumna, to 500 guests at the 12th Annual Dedication Barbeque at Big Springs Ranch for Children on April 27, 2007
We are here today to celebrate 30 years of caring for children at Hill Country Youth Ranch and Big Springs Ranch for Children. We are here to dedicate beautiful facilities, and because we care about the future of the Ranches, the children here now, and the children to come. When Gary asked me to speak, he told me that the theme this year was “A Celebration of Stars”. With our graduates, our current children, and you, our extended family, we have become a galaxy. According to Webster’s, a galaxy is “a large system of stars held together by mutual gravitation.” Definition #2 adds, “a large and brilliant assemblage of persons.” That is HCYR. In October of 1991, I entered through HCYR’s gates. I came from an abusive home. I was raised by a single Iranian father. Kindness wasn’t known in that house. Fear was what I knew. My father never showed love. He was mean, controlling and abusive. My mom left us for crack cocaine, and a life of crime. I practically raised myself until my dad realized I was 10 and thought I needed discipline. I was abused emotionally and beaten physically worse than anyone could imagine. With the help of Houston teachers and the Police Department, I was rescued and brought to the Youth Ranch. Thanks to the help and guidance given me here, I am today a happy and successful woman. At the Ranch, I was offered warmth, encouragement, and a future. I was shown love. I had a house mom who loved me. She did all the things a mom does with a daughter. She taught me to talk and walk and sit like a lady. She taught me to laugh, smile and to be secure within myself. She comforted me when I needed it. She taught me the things a girl needs to be taught by someone with values. At last, life was normal and safe. I was given the opportunities every child should be given. I was allowed to pursue my gifts. I joined the debate team at school and went to state. I played sports, including basketball. I was on the student council and in the Spanish Club. When I wanted to raise a pig for FFA, Gary fixed up an old pen that hadn’t been used in years, for my pig. I named him Ashley, from Gone With The Wind. I always thought I was Scarlett. My first love – the first time I learned to love – was my pig. Ashley . . . Scarlett’s first and only love. I learned a hard truth of life when he was sold at auction. I didn’t eat pork for five years!! But I learned how to love and how to be responsible and how we really got bacon and ham. I danced for the Warrior Spirit drill team at Tom Moore High School. I gained confidence each year. I entered the Miss Kerrville Pageant. I didn’t win, but I did it!! I overcame my insecurities about not being pretty enough or talented enough, and took a chance. I was selected to be in a national yearbook, Who’s Who Among American Teens. Me! . . . in a book of nationally recognized teens who were smart and talented. It was hard to take it all in . . . Most important, I met God for the first time while living at the Ranch. Our Chaplain, Dr. Leonard Holloway, guided me to a path of unconditional love, forgiveness and peace. He showed me how to gain spiritual strength, and opened up a world of nourishment for my soul. I began to read God’s Word, and was taught how to apply His Word to my every day life. I learned that the Lord’s family, like that of the Youth Ranch, offers a life-time membership. I learned to have wholesome fun. I remember the days of stopping vans on the ranch roads and singing “stop, in the name of love”. I learned to cherish my dreams. I remember saying I would go to Harvard and fight for a noble cause. I didn’t know what cause, but I knew I would fight and win. I had the confidence in me. Gary and the staff at HCYR taught me to find the star within, and to let it shine. Today, I am married with two amazing children who are well cared for – you can bank on that. I am able to give them all I learned from the ranch. I have a wonderful husband of almost 10 years. I have stability, a great job as an accountant for a construction company, my health and love all around me. I am found. A star, according to Webster, is a luminous celestial body, and also, it is a distinguished, outstanding being. I am a star. Sisters and brothers of Hill Country Youth Ranch and Big Springs Ranch for Children . . . you are stars . . . stars lighting the path for these angels all around us to find us, to join us. The Youth Ranch is my home, my memories, who I am. You who gather today are my family. I want to say something directly to all of the Youth Ranch supporters here today, and especially to Ed and Trudy Brune who I have just met at this barbeque. Thank you, and Never give up, even when we disappoint you. Keep seeing the light in each of us. After all the pain we’ve known, it may take time for the healing to happen, but every child needs what you can give, and are giving. If we persevere together, our galaxy will grow and stay brilliant. Together, we will shine as one, and together we will find our other lost stars needing a place to come home. This is the fight, this is the cause, we are meant to win. |
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