In the summer of 1975, I found myself sitting in the back of a smallcountry church. The service was over and the people were making their way out. Everyone stopped to shake hands with the preacher. I noticed one man saying, “Thank you, thank you,” as he held the minister’s hand. I said to myself, “What’s in a handshake?”
At that time I felt cynical toward religion and old country ways. Basically … Read More
I’m locked up on an assault charge. I got seven flat. My boys were 9 and 10 and my daughter was 6 when I got arrested.
I can’t say much about my case, but what led me here is that I was in a very abusive relationship with my kids’ father. He began using drugs and became physically abusive toward the kids and me.
I Got Stuck
I wish that … Read More
When I found out I was pregnant, I was 19 and living in foster care. I didn’t want my daughter to be born into the foster care system.
I myself went into care with my sister when I was 4 and she was 1. Growing up, I felt like my little sister and I were alone in this world. We lived in many homes and went through verbal and physical abuse. We … Read More
I have been trying to find new ways to channel my anger. At times, I feel that I have my anger under control and other times I feel like I am going to lose control.
Typical ways that I used to handle my anger? Blowing up, throwing things and saying things that I later wished I could take back.
Just Hurting Myself
One typical moment: years ago, my kids’ father … Read More
When I gave birth to my daughter, Lydia, one of the first people I called to tell was Tamara, who adopted two of my older sons from foster care.
Chubs and Little Hector ended up adopted because I was addicted to crack for many years. When Chubs was 2, Children’s Services (ACS) came to my house and took him. I visited him two times. After that, I didn’t go back. I knew … Read More
