LATEISHA 2023 BLUE MONARCH GRADUATE
Growing up I thought my childhood was pretty normal, but now I realize it was the total opposite. The place I called home was filled with immorality, drugs, and abuse. There were always people in and out but at that time I really didn’t understand. When I was just three years old my mom got involved with my step dad, who battled a cocaine addiction. They were not good for each other and it seemed like every other day my mom had black eyes and bruises. For many years I watched the arguing and fighting go on. By the age of 17, I struggled with low self-esteem which led me to taking pills and partying all the time. I was more sociable and this made me feel more connected to others. After a while, my body became dependent on opiates and I had to have them in order to function. Before I knew it, I was in full blown addiction to pain pills. I couldn’t hide the person I was becoming any longer so manipulation became my best friend. It didn’t take long for me to hit my rock bottom and I just stopped caring about life altogether. It was also during this horrible time that I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Aarayna. I was so scared and felt all alone at the time. I didn’t care about myself, so how was I going to care for a baby? I continued to use drugs throughout my pregnancy. On the day that I had her I knew God was there the whole time and was giving me a second chance. I heard about Blue Monarch and applied right away. By the grace of God, I was accepted. After just 5 months of being at Blue Monarch I found out that Aarayna’s father had passed away from an overdose. I thank God that I’ve been able to grieve and process his death here at Blue Monarch. I know deep down inside if I didn’t make the decision to come here I would probably be dead too. Since being at Blue Monarch my life has changed so much. I never believed I could be the mother I am today. Now I’m walking in freedom and have a healthy and loving relationship with my beautiful daughter, Aarayna. I gave up my own plans and desires for the plans that God has for me and His plans are so much better! Blue Monarch has changed my life and I'm so grateful for their WINGS Transitional Program where I am employed with Out of the Blue Granola while pursuing a career in the medical field.
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