As we mark one year since the tragic loss of Robin Simpson, we reflect on the profound impact her death has had. Robin was murdered by her husband, Michael Simpson, who has yet to plead guilty, seeking to evade justice through an insanity plea. The family is still completely heartbroken and devastated. Not one day goes by that we don't think of Robin and the way she was horrifically taken from us. We are trying our best to grieve and heal, but that won’t happen until we get justice for Robin.

Over the past year, we have been focused on supporting Robin’s daughter, Essence, as she navigates her grief. We are relieved to share that Essence is doing well, expressing her emotions through powerful poetry. She has her moments as can be expected but in spite of all she has gone through she is doing her best. Here are two of her poignant pieces that capture her feelings and resilience:

Poem 1: My Mom and Me 
[My mom] A beautiful woman as she stands tall with a smile on her face every day. One day she gets up out of bed with a lump on her stomach, not a big lump at all, but she felt as if her stomach widened. Nine months later she felt like her stomach reached its breaking point; she could wait a few more days but she stopped waiting because her stomach grew BIGGER AND BIGGER BY THE HOUR!  
The next day she went to the hospital, and before she knew it, surgery time came. She didn't even know she was holding me, and when she woke up it was like she stepped into A new world, and three years went by FAST! (BRAG ALERT!!!) Then Seven, Eight, then Nine is where I am now. My mom died when I was Eight years old. I am inspired by my mom because of her life.  Always cherish the precious memories and people you love and know while they are here, because you never know when they will let go.

Poem 2: To My Father I'm Not Afraid  
I'm not afraid, I said I'm not afraid. From the pep in my step to the brains in my head, I'm not afraid. You may taunt me and mess with my dreams in my head even when I'm in my bed, but that's okay because I'm not scared. You can send me notes saying I'm sorry, but I won't bother looking because I have dreams in my face that take me away from my pain, and I can say it straight to your face because I'm not afraid. You can make me sad; you can make me mad, but that won't break me, because I'm not afraid. I may have lost a lot of things, but I’m not gonna lose my mind over a mad man who wants to ruin my life. You can hate on me all day long, but I don't care because I'm not afraid.

To honor Robin’s memory, we are hosting the **Robin Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser** to support young students pursuing degrees in Social Work. This event will provide scholarships in Robin's memory, allowing her impact on the community to continue and empowering future generations.

Event Details:
Date: November 23, 2024 
Time: 5- 9 PM
Location: Harrisburg University, Philadelphia Campus, 487 N. 16th Street, Philadelphia PA 19130

Your participation will help us celebrate Robin’s life and ensure that her legacy lives on through the students we support. For more information and to RSVP, please visit ROBIN SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

Thank you for your continued support and love during this challenging time. Together, we can help Essence heal and honor Robin’s spirit.

Malaina & Michelle