Welcome to the World of Mommy Girl Media: Expect the Unexpected.
Hello my name is Synthia Rigmaiden, your hostess, and I want to warmly welcome you to Mommy Girl Media. I am tremendously excited to launch and introduce to you this precious gift that God has given to me and I share with you.
I was born in the 60's in what is now considered Silicon Valley. The Bay Area. I grew up in a very small town called Milpitas which in Portuguese means small cornfield. During the 1960's it was it tumultuous time for America. I'm grateful for the experience in Milpitas as we were one of the first cities on the West Coast that welcomed people of color to purchase homes with the Caucasian counterpart families. So my childhood was rich in home experience, Church/spirituality and a great sense of community. I knew from a child that giving back is truly the only way to live a life of fulfillment.
As the only daughter of four children I have the misfortune of being the only surviving child. Unfortunately my
Synthia Lynn Rigmaiden
Founder & CEO
parent's first son, (baby boy) passed away at birth. My second brother was born in 1961 his name is Thomas Rigmaiden Jr., an amazing academic scholar and all-around great person. We lost him on January 1, 1989. My third brother, Rhodes Randall Rigmaiden Born in 1965, was at one time one of the top chefs in our local area. He passed away on September 17, 2002.
My parents were great people and I put the emphasis on great because they were so committed to sharing all they were with all they met. However, they were not college-educated, but they knew the importance of requiring that my brothers and myself attend college. At this time I've lost both my parents, and they are truly missed. A few years after my brother, Thomas Jr. passed away, my father and my maternal grandmother also passed away on August 1st and August 2nd 1993 with there being only nine hours between their deaths! I remember being so concerned about my mother and observing her. Her faith in God never waivered, her love for others never stopped, her encouragement and investment in the lives of so many continued stronger than ever. It was at that moment that I truly caught it in the spirit that I must do all I can, while I can, and giving how I can. My mother passed away years later after a very lengthy illness of dementia that later presented complications of Alzheimer's and she took her last breath on January 7, 2013 9:40 PM.
While they lived, my parents and family were a great resource for me during a very difficult time in my life where I found myself a young mother with two children, heading towards divorce without a complete education and no way to provide for my children. Being raised in the church I had never really understood what divorce was all about as I was blessed to have both parents in the home and active throughout our childhood years. This was a very difficult experience for me, and the only reason it was not devastating is because I knew to trust the Lord. He has always been THE SOURCE of sustaining and guiding my life. I recall packing up my small apartment with my two small children and moving back home with my family. My father asked me a question I'll never forget "Will you be going back to school or will you go to work at McDonald's?" I was already hurt by the devastation and betrayal of my marriage (which will be included in an upcoming book), but that question was the last straw. It was really a turning point.
I remember literally sucking it up and starting to pull it together as what he was really saying hit me. Then I began to apply for colleges. Long story short, I did go back to school, but because I did not have transportation I had to obtain a bus pass from the Social Services Department where I received welfare assistance. I think that this is one of the most humiliating times of my life, but because I had children I could not afford to be embarrassed or humiliated as I had to provide for them. They had to eat. My parents didn't ask me for any rent but I remembered insisting that they take food stamps to buy groceries for their home where me and my children were now residing with them. My father did not want to take anything from me, but I explained the importance and need for me to be responsible through this time. In the end, the County paid for my books and bus transportation for school, and my father paid my tuition while I continued to receive food stamps and contribute them to the household. This is an example of the basic principle of reciprocity that I'll share in my book.
I understand without doubt that being able to stay with my parents is was a great blessing as many young mothers do not have the support that I was blessed with. This is why it is so important for me to share my journey with you. However, that did not last throughout my entire college years. A year prior to graduating I was offered a section 8 certificate for housing which enabled me to build my confidence and independence by living on my own before completing that empowering achievement. However, I was still a victim of poor choices in relationships and this would continue until I finally caught on. It was my own brokenness that stood in my way. With all the achievements attained yet did not understand how to self apply the power held therein.
During college, I did volunteer work for the County as a condition of receiving their aid. But most importantly on my own, and through the power of God I successfully completed two internships, served on various committees and was involved in church work for the community. Then, in my last semester in college, my brother Thomas Jr. passed away. I was devastated, but I continued to press on in college and I finally did it! I obtained a college degree which was priceless to my parents and such a treasure to me. It was because of God opening doors and making ways that I became employed in the exact same County where I once receiving welfare. I find that so personally powerful.
Fast forward to 2014, I retired gratefully after nearly 30 years of service and a stellar career... The most awesome part about that; ladies, is that it was my "dream job." Since the age of 14 I knew that I wanted to work in law-enforcement and more specifically to work as a Probation Officer. My favorite uncle Mr. Kenneth Blackwell, Sr. was a supervisor in the Probation Department. I remember growing up seeing what a snazzy dresser he was and how happy he was with what he was doing. I wanted to be just like him; so when I got a job in the County Probation Department, it was a dream come true. I was further blessed to work with my uncle before he retired, when briefly, we were in the same department. For me, that was a major milestone in my career.
Now I'm retired. I've had some bumps and bruises, and some aches and pains along the way. Although I may not be kicking down doors or making arrests any more, Lord knows I have written what seems like whole books worth of court reports and departmental paperwork. Thus, armed with that writing practice and combined with the fact that I know I have powerful and helpful information as well as a wealth of "Mommy Girl" experiences to share and write about... I am inspired to reach back and hopefully help you, and motivate you to understand that you can continue in spite of all obstacles. You too can pick up the pieces from whatever comes your way and move forward in the direction of your destiny!
So now you know a little about me, I would love to find out all about you. Today is Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 and today Mommy Girl Media launches our new Blog online. Our Blog is kind of plain and simple today because as a “work in progress” we have decided to share our set up with the world, so pardon our dust as we make changes and innovations right before your eyes. Expect the Unexpected!
… Synthia