Felt Relief as Light took over the Dark
From darkness to light: one woman's journey through loss, addiction, and redemption toward helping others heal.
Felt Relief as Light Took Over the Dark
The empowerment of a woman navigating grief, emotional stress, and substance misuse through unemployment and interpersonal violence
Grief
It is a word that carries profound weight—a reality I truly grasped when my beloved son, Michael, was taken from me at just 15 years old. It was a tragic night in 2003 when he was struck by a pickup truck while walking home from a friend’s house. Michael passed away that Easter Sunday, leaving not just a void in our family, but a ripple of sorrow that touched many friends and families in our community.
Losing a child is a heartache no parent should ever endure. I never imagined feeling such deep loss, and even after all these years, the pain lingers. Yet I have discovered ways to navigate it. I channel that pain into positivity—lifting my spirit, sharing my journey, and writing about my experiences. Michael will always hold a special place in my heart until the day we are reunited.
In my quest to help others cope with grief, I began teaching classes for those facing similar challenges. Grief can manifest in many forms, and there are countless paths toward healing.
My journey has been anything but straightforward; it is a winding path marked by challenges and setbacks. At times, I have taken 50 steps forward, only to sidestep 20 and step back another 20, yet I continue to move onward. Each obstacle has strengthened my heart and spirit, teaching me to confront the painful truth of losing a child while also embracing self-discovery.
On this path, I hurt others in ways that still weigh heavily on my soul today. My daughter, Sara, struggles to forgive me for not being there for her when her brother passed away. I was physically present but not emotionally available to her, and to this day she carries that pain.
Sobriety marked a pivotal change—one that is difficult to explain to those around me, as many could not reconcile the image of a “functioning” substance user with my new reality. Once I noticed the light breaking through my darkness, I realized it was time to take control of my life. Breaking free from substance dependence allowed me to face emotions I had long avoided.
I have found profound pride in my sobriety, understanding that our past choices do not define our future. We all have the power to create a new path filled with hope. My own journey—moving from heartbreak to healing—has unfolded one step at a time. Just as a cloud drifts through the sky, we too can rise above our pasts. I am proud to say I have been clean and sober for nearly 15 years.
Reflecting on my past, I wish I had never taken that first drink. The weight of losing my son is immense, and I hope to spare others from similar pain. My faith in God provides me with guidance and strength. I believe in the power of support and connection; together, we can face our struggles and find hope amid sorrow.
On any given day in my profession, I may find myself making a crucial difference at unexpected moments. Whether offering a listening ear, guiding someone through a difficult time, or advocating for essential resources, my work can alter the trajectory of someone’s life. Sometimes, the impact of my efforts is not immediately visible, as the seeds of hope we plant may flourish long after our direct involvement has ended.
Years down the line, we may hear a story or see a result rooted in the help provided, illustrating just how far-reaching that influence can be. These quiet ripples underscore the importance of dedication in social work, reminding us that every act of kindness has the potential to change lives for the better.
God has placed me at Adoption Solution as part of my transformative journey, allowing me to witness the incredible miracles that take place there and to support others on their paths while I continue healing my own soul.
