December 2014 changed the trajectory of my life, the life of my family and friends as we too felt the pain of the Bailey family.  It would be remiss of me if I did not offer a dedication to Delores Bailey and her twin sons as it is because of this family 

"We Got You Covered" 

was born.

On this Saturday afternoon in December, I came home from work and while still in my police uniform, I walked to the kitchen where I turned the television on and watched in horror as the reporter announced that an African American teen had been killed while trying to help his identical twin brother who was being robbed of his shoes.  This should have been a day that represented the twins first experience of independence from parental supervision.  The independence that most teenager seek…the freedom to safely walk to and from practice without being picked up and dropped off.  This would be the first time their mother allowed them to go to practice on their own and this would also be the last time she would see one of her sons alive.

I was so upset. I called a mother-like figure and said, “we have got to do something because this is ridiculous.  Today, it’s this child but tomorrow it may be one of our children.”  Shortly thereafter, I contacted an attorney who prepared all the necessary documentation for my non-profit. I was forging straight ahead but life got in the way and as a result I stopped working on the nonprofit because of hip surgery.

But here comes God getting me back on track.

During my sabbatical from the non-profit work, my grandson lost his cell phone.  The woman who found it called my daughter and left a message.  On the voicemail she said, “Hi, I found your son's phone at the park today and I’m calling so that I can give it back to you.  He reminds me of my son so I’m gonna make sure that he gets his phone.”  She and my daughter tried multiple times to meet but kept missing each other.  However, on the day they met the lady said, “Hi, I’m so glad to finally meet you.  Your baby boy really reminds me of my son.  I don’t know if you remember this, but my son was killed on 63rd and State Street.”  My daughter immediately became emotional and said, “oh my God, yes, I remember you and your son.  My mom started a nonprofit because of what happened to your baby, and we have been praying for you and your family ever since."  In a large metropolitan city like Chicago, what are the chances of Ms. Bailey finding my grandson’s phone?  Needless to say, I got back to work.  God’s message was delivered, and I acknowledged his word.

Everyone lost on that December day.  Victims and offender’s lives were forever changed.  May God continue to wrap His arms around you and your family, and you will always be in our hearts. 

We Got You Covered was born out of tragedy, but we hope to save another parent from the devastation of losing a child that’s why we say we were born out of sheer desperation to save lives.