Seeing Possibilities
Rockie Alden and Myria Key were matched through Love INC life coaching four years ago. They quickly discovered that they had come from very different family situations. Rockie enjoyed a stable, two-parent home and support to pursue her career goals. A job with a design firm led to her meeting and marrying Mike Alden, and, later, a move to Columbia when Mike became MU Athletic Director.
Myria was raised by a single mother who struggled with drug addiction. She has never known her father outside a prison visiting room and has experienced homelessness both as a child and as an adult.
Two very different worlds intersected when they met but they soon gained one another’s love and respect.
When asked what she has gained most from the coaching relationship, Rockie says it is the friendship she has with Myria and her children. "I have worked together with Myria to host birthday parties for her kids and she has invited me to her own birthday celebration.
Even in the midst of stressors like moving and car breakdowns, we have been able to laugh together. I was especially grateful to have been in her life when her mother unexpectedly passed away. Everyone needs support at a time like that and it gave me a deep sense of purpose to be able to be there for her."
Rockie is also quick to say that she has gained new perspective and, most importantly, gratitude, from knowing Myria. “I am fortunate to have learned so much about a life that looks different from mine. I thought I had answers and knew a lot but in the end we learned together. Me not fixing but us growing together and both our lives changing for the better.”
Rockie says she gained a greater awareness of what it looks like to grow up in poverty, without
family support. “When I make a mistake or have car trouble or illness, I have people to help me through it. When you are born into poverty, you don’t have anyone to help and you can keep going down. You can easily spiral down instead of moving forward.
You are repeatedly pushed down with every setback. When you walk with someone who has different experiences you become more aware. I am now much more grateful for what I was given with my family.”
Rockie praises Myria for learning perseverance and resiliency through the hardships she has experienced. She is amazed by Myria's innate sense of mothering and desire to give her children more than she had.
Myria says Rockie taught her about unconditional love. “I have learned many things from Mrs. Rockie, one being that someone can genuinely care for you without any strings attached. I’ve also learned to trust again. Growing up the way I did, I began questioning people’s intentions and always thought people were out to get me or hurt me. Mrs. Rockie has been nothing but supportive and understanding.”
Through life coaching, Myria has gained a new perspective on life and herself. “I see more possibilities than ever before. I see good in myself and recognize that I do have blessings in my life. I have hope for a good future. Mrs. Rockie always reminds me that my past is my past and keeps me focused on present and future goals.” Myria is on her way to finishing an associate degree and is already pursuing her dream of being a creative writer and motivational speaker.