My parents were both addicts. My dad used cocaine and my mother used weed. I started using cocaine, weed, and liquor at 15. I started using heroin. I became involved in an abusive relationship, had my son, and went to prison for nine months on assault charges. Eventually my abusive partner went to prison. At 31 years old I had been high nearly half of my life. I was tired of that life and wanted to change. I found my way to Sheffield Place with my 9-year-old son.
Fast forward two years. We live in a house that we rent. I’m off parole. I’ve had my job for two years. I’m three-fifths of the way to obtaining my GED, and my son is involved with school activities.
I am still trying to find my way and probably always will be. When you are trying to create a safe and stable life for yourself and your son, it’s hard when you’ve never seen what that looks like. I have dreams for the future that include finishing my GED, going to community college, and opening my own business.