Copyright 2019 by Toya Wright Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9972178-8-9
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Credits
Editorial: Carla DuPont
Cover Design: Aries George
Dedication
I am an adult, mother, and child of God. I didnt have a perfect life, but I still had a life. Ive lived and learned many things; its my time to really know and enjoy myself. My biggest gift is my family. Without each of them, I couldnt heal myself. So, I ask for forgiveness from my grandchildren, friends, and family to be able to heal.
Im going to keep searching for ways to better myself. I try every day to do so, one day at a time. Im thankful to have a book writer, Joe, a son of God, and hes my son, too. He helps me through my obstacles and can relate because he has been through challenges as well. I thank God for him. After losing two of my boys, God brought him to help and heal me.
Here is my story, my testimony. Getting past my drug habits, molestation, and my boys deaths. Who could we turn to without anybodys love? God knows.
Love,
Mama Nita
Foreword
For as long as I can remember, my mom has always been a realist. No matter what life has thrown at her, she has always embraced it with a smile. The main reason I am able to deal with so much pain and adversity, and still keep my head high is because of my mom. I write these words sitting on my bunk in the can awaiting trial. I have four more years to do on my federal sentence, but Im facing life on some state charges. Sometimes I think to myself, How did I get here?
As kids, we never make the right decisions. We seem to think that we have it all figured out. But at fifteen years of age, Anita was forced to make a decision. She was forced to figure it out. Only a baby herself, she decided to embrace love over pain. And no matter what may become of me in Americas system, I will always be the most grateful child ever; for my mom gave me life.
What you think you know of us is only a fraction of the truth. Whether its concerning her drug addiction, Toya and my disagreements, Josh and Rudys deaths or anything that traveled in the wind and fell in your ear, you never got the full story. After reading my and Toyas books, our mom is about to put the icing on the cake with hers.
I pray that whoever reads this book gains some form of understanding; that they may be able to use her testimony as a tool to fix whatever problems they may have. Know that struggles are precious jewels handed from God. For I know through experience, on both sides of the world, that its never over until its over.
My mom is absolutely the truest form of defining a miracle. She will ask you, How well do you know yourself? while speaking to you at 100 words per 5 seconds. Those who know her, know what I mean. Whether you call her Nita, Joyce, or Cigarette, you know her as the lady who will open her home to a stranger and feed them the best red beans ever made. She is truly one of a kind. To her kids and grandkids, shes a special person in our lives. If you know us, you know we love us some Anita. But if youre reading this, it is now your turn to feel how we feel.
I would like to add that I love my mom with all of my heart and Im proud of her for never giving up or throwing the towel in. You inspire us all. Thanks for giving me life, baby. I owe you for eternity.
Your first born,
Walter Jonas Johnson
Foreword
This book is a must read, for so many reasonsMy mom put so much truth and pain in this book! This book means too much to me, shes been through so much. It was only right that she shared her story! My mom always walks around with a smile and laughter. Youll never know what pain she fights or how she really feels.
Lord knows I wish Josh and Rudy were here to witness the love she will receive! Everyone should gain more knowledge and strength to deal with life after this read!
Anisha Johnson
Foreword
To my beautiful mother,
I am extremely proud of you. You have been through so much in your life and you didnt let it change you. You continue to smile through all of your pain. I admire your strength and your ability to live fearless and free. Words cant express how happy I am that you finally completed your book. You told me five years ago that you wanted to pen your story and I told you when you were ready I would help you. In those five years, so much has changed in our lives. You lost two kids and the love of your life in the same year. Thats a lot for anyone to deal with. Watching you pick up the broken pieces and try to pull your life together after the pain you endured from those losses made me realize how strong you really are. You gave me strength on days when I was weak and broken. I love you, Mama, and I wish you much success with your new book. Never stop believing in yourself and never stop being Anita. You are truly 1 of 1.
Toya Johnson
My Heavenly Father, I am asking you God to use me in writing my book How Well We Know Ourselves. Heavenly Father, I know that it is you who created time and I am on your time Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father, I pray that this book helps to explain my life and it will be used as a vessel for however you will Heavenly Father. I pray that this book will be used as a chronological timeline for my family, especially my children. I need to give it all that Ive got, because this story truly means something. My story may help people who can relate to me be able to find understanding and encouragement to get to know themselves. Please Heavenly Father, let this book show people the importance of getting to know themselves.
Oh God, Creator of all humans, Ive been through so much of the wrongs in life. I want to share and appreciate some of the good things that have come along in my life as well. I need this to help me heal! I need your help Heavenly Father. I need no ones opinions or concerns to get in the way. I need to breathe. Like my daughter Toya said, I need to let it all out. As you know Heavenly Father, my son Walter and I have been writing this life story since the beginning of his time. Hes been with me along this whole way. You know what Ive been through. With your strength invested in me, Ive made it! Ive made it to today without losing my wit. Without losing my everything. Ive made it to today with the family and friends that I am blessed to have. Im so thankful for them Heavenly Father. I need your help today. I cannot do this on my own. I am ready. Everybody has a testimony. Im ready to be in service of you.
How Well Do We Know Ourselves. A book of testimonies. A genuine book. A book about my familys generations.
The better I know myself, the more I will be able to heal myself. I want to share the pain and thoughts that are hurting in my mind, heart, and soul. I need to share this for my grandchildren. I want to continue to teach my family how to love and care for ourselves by the examples of the things we go through. Let the things we go through bring us closer together, not further apart.
