Escaping the cycle of addiction felt impossible. Then I became pregnant
I sat in the garden of the community church, trying to distract myself from the overwhelming anxiety that consumed me. My partner was in jail, and I was facing the difficult decision of having an abortion the next day. My life was a mess – trapped in addiction, homeless, and running away from my family.
As I pulled weeds, a sudden shift occurred within me. It was like a gentle breeze enveloping me, bringing with it a vision of hope and possibility. For the first time in a long time, I had a belief in myself that felt real and tangible. I saw a future where I could get sober, go back to school, get a job, and provide a life for my unborn baby.
Despite initial resistance from my family, I made the decision to continue with the pregnancy. Setting up a nursery in my parents’ home, I embarked on a journey of transformation. Sobriety became my anchor, and the excitement of counting weeks and feeling my body change replaced the despair that once consumed me.
The birth of my son, Cedar, marked a new chapter in my life. I went back to school to complete my undergrad in English literature, determined to build a better future for myself and my child. The memories of my past struggles fueled my determination to succeed, propelling me to graduate and pursue a career in teaching.
Entering teachers’ college was a daunting experience. I felt like an imposter, unsure if someone like me could truly become a teacher. But with each baby step, I overcame my doubts and fears. I stayed with my partner, who had turned his life around, and we welcomed another son, Simon, into our family.
Education became my lifeline, empowering me to reach my goals and share my experiences with others. As I prepare to embark on a new chapter as a supply teacher, I reflect on the journey that brought me here. From a place of darkness and despair, I now see flowers among the weeds – a symbol of hope and resilience.
My story is one of redemption and resilience, a testament to the transformative power of belief in oneself and the support of others. I share it with the hope of inspiring others to believe in their own potential for change and growth. Today, I have a home, a garden, and a sense of purpose that I never thought possible.
As I look back on that fateful day in the garden, I am grateful for the unexpected shift that set me on a path of healing and transformation. I am proof that change is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
