Michelle Barnett Photography
HADASSAH 2024 BLUE MONARCH GRADUATE
I was adopted at 3 months old, had a pretty normal childhood, and was raised in a Christian home with a working dad and supportive mother. I had no confidence, was painfully shy, and always felt I was not good enough. At 16 I discovered alcohol gave me the courage I needed to be around people and it took away my social awkwardness. Drinking daily, I thought I needed it to be myself. At 23 I became pregnant but wasn’t ready to be a mom. The father convinced me to go to Planned Parenthood and it was there I discovered I was carrying twins. I realized God gave me the deep desire to have twins when I was younger for this moment and decided to keep them, but I still couldn’t quit drinking, and they were born 3 ⁄ months early. My family eventually filed emergency custody and later adopted my twins. I tried so hard but couldn’t escape my addictions. I later became pregnant with my daughter, Kimber, and she helped replace the void in my heart. I had a son, Reese, a year later. But my addiction went from alcohol to amphetamines. I would use drugs to help me clean and do the things a stay-at-home mom would do. When I was pregnant with Avery, I was scared to death and didn’t think I could handle three kids. The kids’ father and I got married but right after Avery was born, Rayce had a mental breakdown and quit his job. Both of our addictions went from amphetamines to meth and heroin. To make things more stressful, I became pregnant again. Valor was born 2 ⁄ months early and stayed in the NICU until he was safe to come home. I loved my kids but couldn’t care for them the way they needed it. I was depressed and sick of the same cycle - staying up for days cleaning and then crashing for a few days. One morning I woke up and knew something was wrong. I went to our bedroom to find my husband passed out on the bed. I knew instantly he had overdosed. I called 911 but it was too late. Weeks later the kids went to stay with family. Finally, I knew I had to choose drugs or God. I decided to surrender everything to God, and he brought me to Blue Monarch. This is where I learned to walk in freedom. I am pursuing a career I love as a hair stylist, and my family is healthy. God has done so many miracles for my family and has helped piece us back together again! Hadassah
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