Success Stories
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the
burden of another. " Charles Dickens
My baby was due any day. My husband had lost his job and I was
worried we wouldn't be able to care for the baby once it was born. Like most
expectant mother's, I wanted to give my child the best possible start in life. My
dreams crashed when the flash food waters washed into our apartment and
destroyed everything we owned. We had thought about purchasing renter's
insurance, but at the time we didn't think our meager belongings were worth
insuring, and money was just too tight. Now everything was gone.
The American Red Cross gave us a place to sleep and warm food to eat. A
day later, I gave birth to a beautiful daughter. My joy was overshadowed
as I realized I didn't have a home or any cloths for her. A volunteer with
American Red Cross told me not to worry, that they would take care of us.
At first I had a hard time believing this. Why would total strangers care about
what happened to us? But as the days progressed, they found us temporary
housing, clothing, food, and baby things. Within a few days, they found us a
home and a job for my husband.
We must all work to make this world worthy of its children.
I had always wanted to be a mother, and became elated when
the doctor told me I was indeed pregnant. I dreamed of the things I would
do with my child, and the wonderful life we would have together. Just eight
weeks into my pregnancy, I had a stroke. My baby didn't seem to be harmed,
but my body suffered severe damage. I gave birth to my son, but was confined
to a wheelchair. Caring for him was a challenge.
He is now 3 years old and I worry about his development. He seems to be
a little behind the rest of the kids his age. Since it is so difficult for me to get
around, we spend most of our time alone in our home. He really doesn't have
much of an opportunity to be around other children. That is one of the reasons
I am so thankful for the First Connection program in the Hardin County Schools.
They are helping me to get my son into pre-school, and helping to ease the
isolation I feel in my life. I feel my life is finally beginning to get back on track.
We are who we protect. What we stand up for.
It is hard to believe it, but I think the emotional pain was actually
worse than the physical pain. Don't get me wrong, the punches to the
face, the feel of his hands closing in around my neck hurt a lot. But it
was the emotional pain that kept me frozen in the same bad marriage
for 13 years. The loss of dignity and confidence and feeling as if I was
completely worthless and alone. How or why could anyone possibly
care about me? I simply didn't see a way out
But on the day that I sat on the floor begging my husband to stop
beating me, I knew I had to get out. As soon as he left the house, I
made my way to the car. But it wasn't going to get me anywhere.
He had removed the battery before he left. With a strength I didn't
know I had, I walked to SpringHaven Domestic Violence Center.
Once inside their gates, I knew there was no turning back. They
helped me and my 3 children to heal and begin a new life. A life
that will never again include fear, and violence.
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