Humans of GLISS Blog

Rashard’s Story

Today we bring you the short but moving story of our employee Rashard.

Rashard lived an average life, nothing to complain about most days, he says. He was close with his parents growing up and looked up to them. As a parent, you influence your child’s basic values, and help to guide them through their future endeavors like education and employment. Unfortunately for Rashard, this was stripped from him. 

Rashard ended up losing both of his parents years ago, and was left to figure out this world on his own. Lost and confused, he searched for guidance and support of community members. If you have ever lost a parent/guardian or both, you know how life altering this can be. Rashard was forced to grow up quickly, find independence and get his life started on the right track. 

Through every new chapter in life, Rashard kept his head held high knowing one day he would have a family of his own to raise and experience everything he missed out on – and that he got! Later, he started his very own family! it was in that moment that he felt eternal peace again. It was almost as if he was getting to relive the days that were stripped of him with his parents passing. 

Keeping faith in the fact that what was ahead of him was going to outweigh everything he had been through helped Rashard stay on track. The HOPE he carried in his heart back then is the same HOPE he carries with him today and is something he suggested for all of us to find. Without HOPE, it’s hard to see the good in what is to come. “Without HOPE, you crash out – don’t crash out”, he says! 

We are extremely proud of Rashard for pushing through such a devastating time in his life. Although we don’t always know what lies ahead for us, we truly believe that having HOPE in your heart helps to create a better and brighter future!