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Here's a partial transcript of the interview. Lu was on an oxygen tank at the time of this interview and it might be hard to make out all of her words.

My name is Lutricia Milton. I am the last of ten children. I was born November 5th, 1970 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. As far as I can remember, I had a good childhood. My mother sent my siblings and I to Mississippi to spend the summer with our grandparents. I enjoyed spending the summer with my grandparents. I learned most of my values unknown color. I learned most of my values and beliefs and Christianity from from them. Every morning we had to wake up to the sound of the rooster crow, make our bed, sweep the floors. Then we would rush out tea, wash our face, and sit at the table for breakfast. My grandmother would have breakfast ready for us Christians grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, homemade biscuit syrup and orange juice. And you could tell. I remember all of that. I remember we all had to say a Bible verse. We. For what we ate and had to give thanks to God. This was my life. Well, you know, childhood until I was 15 years old. Um, when I was 15 years old, I became pregnant and was too ashamed to tell my parents. So I went to Mississippi and apparently couldn't hide it from my grandparents either. So I went home to face the music. Um, I had an 8 pound, seven ounce baby girl on January 6th, 1987. I named her Alexis Dominique Nelson. She was the most beautiful baby that I ever seen. After having Alexis, I dropped out of high school because I was completely overwhelmed with life. Within 18 months later, I had another beautiful girl. I listened to Mitrice Nelson. She was 6 pounds when I when I was. I then realized I had to move out of my parent's home, and I applied for low income apartment and was approved to. I was 22 years old. I had no income from working and two babies to take care of. It seems as if my life is falling out of control. I enrolled in college. I received my Associate of Arts degree from Delgado Community College in 1996. Um, I havebeen. Two years later, my son was born Alonzo DeMarcus Milton. He was such a handsome and cute baby boy. I felt that I was finished with having kids after him. Then I met his father. In a year of his 8 pound 6oz was born. She was healthy. A healthy, beautiful baby girl. We were married for 20 years. He had his moments and so did I.

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Excerpt from Dr. Leslie's story:

"I realized life had changed and everyone had moved on. It was time to let go. There are no parents to approve or disapprove of my choices. Who I am, choices I make, my views of the world and desires for the future are mine alone to decide.

This is my time and I’m not afraid. Rarely have I stopped and thought about being alone or even the prospect of dying. I have no time for nonsense, have always abhorred drama, and never waste energy on it. Anyone who knows me well has heard me say no amount of worrying will change things. It is what it is.

I’ve learned being vulnerable and accepting help isn’t weakness. Armoring up results in anger and hurt so heavy it suffocates. Who I am, what I believe, and how I live, is not up for discussion. Others’ opinions no longer have no weight. All the made up ‘rules’ are fading as is the pressure to maintain an image. The strength, warmth, and comfort of the fire that burns inside will light the way."

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
Please SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so that you can be inspired by future interviews!

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

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An excerpt from Sharon's story:

"With my diagnosis, I was fortunate in the sense that although having cancer was scary, it was stage one, could be treated and that would hopefully be the end of it. I didn’t need chemo or radiation. I look back on that time in my life and it’s a blur. Between all of my appointments, helping my kids and everything else, I don’t remember much. Maybe it’s my body’s way of protecting me from what I went through - I don’t know. What I do know is that my family inspires me every day to be a better person - to handle difficult situations with grace and humor and to find some joy in every day.

In the beginning of my story, I was in the dark blue water and unable to reach the surface. There was also this awful dark cloud that I felt was over my family. Now, after some reflection, I realize the dark cloud was a passing storm and although other storms have come my way, they haven’t stayed forever. Having cancer changed me as a woman and as a person. It changed how I see the world and my attitude about everything.

My wisdom for the world:

• Don’t neglect your health or put off appointments
• Allow yourself to be photographed
• Mental health is just as important as physical health
• Find a therapist you trust"

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
Please SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so that you can be inspired by future interviews!

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com