Kristi

Articles by Kristi

Daughters. I loved being one and having two. 

My husband and I have navigated life with young women in our charge and we love it. 

I also love stories--mine and yours. I love my playmate co-workers. I voraciously love my friends. My faith in God is foundational to me even though organized religion has almost nothing to do with that. 

I love submitting to grief because it makes me see joy differently. I love submitting to laughter--especially about dark circumstances--because laughter can sever ties that bind us to horrible events.

Mine is WAY not the worst of anything- not the worst of being a kid, adult, wife, mom, or whoever else I was supposed to be. But my story might be recognizable to some. Some folks may find hope in their situations or inspiration to try other potential solutions.

Horrible events mean trauma. Bad medicine. Lacking positive coping mechanisms. Major life changes pushed me to the limits of managing life. I needed the help of mental health intervention. 

The word support is a thing and an action; I needed both versions in spades. After I learned how to ask for it, my husband, daughters, family, and friends supported me in the best ways they knew how to give. 

It is the only reason that I am here today. I mean it. I would have lost the battle of a lifetime. My lifetime.