The Beautiful Breakdown: Rebuilding Legacy from the Inside Out
By: Brin’na Rollins-Williams 

It’s late in the evening. Drew sleeps beside me, and our dogs, Oliver and Jax, lay curled up on my lap. As I sit here in the quiet, I find myself reflecting on the incredible people who have shaped my journey—those who supported me, even when I didn’t realize I needed it. Those who gave me space when I struggled to find my own, who nudged me beyond my comfort zones, and who stood by me as I became the most authentic version of myself—even when it didn’t make sense to them. They let me be me, and in doing so, showed me that love doesn’t require us to disappear.

There’s a moment in my story that I hold especially close—one sentence that brings tears to my eyes when I recall speaking it aloud to Drew in my wedding vows: “Thank you for teaching me that I am worthy of both love and independence at the same time.” That sentiment echoes through every relationship that has shaped me—my parents, my sisters, my family. Each of you has shown me what it means to trust, to be brave, and to lead with heart. I hope to live a life that honors your unwavering belief in me, a life that embodies the power of betting on yourself, persevering through hard times, and never taking love or connection for granted. Because at the end of the day, people may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

I think about the supporting characters in the greatest stories—the ones who bring fairy tales and epics to life. The dwarfs who stood beside Snow White. The enchanted castle that held Beauty and the Beast. The dragons Daenerys tamed in Game of Thrones. Everyone deserves a gladiator in their life—the one who slays the dragons, who fights the good fight, who sees your potential before you do. The confidant. The protector. The one who lets you simply be—without expectations, without demands—just existing in the moment with you.

To Mom - Thank you for sharing your truth, even when it hurt, so I could understand our story through adult eyes. Your strength in never giving up, even when the weight felt unbearable, showed me what real courage looks like. The sacrifices you made, the love you gave, and the wisdom you shared have shaped who I am. You taught me that vulnerability is strength. I love you to the moon and back.

To Dad and Jen - Your guidance has been my compass, from ‘have fun, be careful, make wise choices’ to 'you worry ‘bout you, kiddo.’ Thank you for creating a home where I could always return, for letting me be exactly who I am, and for teaching me to never forget my roots. Your love and wisdom have been foundational to who I’ve become, showing me that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about choice.

To my little sisters, Elle and Grace—you are my heart and will forever be ‘my why’. Your presence in my life reminds me daily of what matters most. No matter where life takes us, I am always just one call away.

To Drew—you make me the best version of myself. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, for being my safe place, greatest adventure, and unwavering rock. You’ve shown me that true partnership means growing together while staying true to ourselves. When I doubted my path forward, you reminded me that my sensitivity wasn’t a weakness but a superpower—just like Vince had shown me all those years ago in his garage.

To my best friend, Karlie—our conversations, even the ones held in silence, mean everything to me. Thank you for teaching me the power of patience and forgiveness, for showing me what true friendship looks like, and for always being the loudest cheerleader in my corner—so loud, in fact, that I can’t even hear the noise of the world around us. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To Vince—though you’re no longer here, your legacy lives on in every story I tell, in every connection I make. You showed me that authenticity isn’t just about being yourself; it’s about creating space for others to be themselves too. That lesson echoes through everything I do.

To the entire family—every extension of Rollins, Eklem, Renshaw, Osman, and my in-laws, Williams and Lindsey—I send you my biggest hugs, with extra squeezes. Your love has been my foundation, your support my guiding light. Each of you has contributed to this legacy of love and authenticity that I carry forward.

To all of you—for your unwavering belief in me, for your love, for always showing up—thank you. You’ve taught me that success isn’t a solo journey, and that vulnerability shared is strength multiplied.
From the depths of my heart, thank you for reading a piece of my story.

May it remind you that your story matters too.