Brandy’s eyes constantly scan her surroundings, darting to any movement, whether a staff member at the front desk or a passerby outside the window. She is hypervigilant. Her brain has adapted to a lifetime of threats, and all it wants to do is protect her. Brandy is a survivor, no doubt. More than that, she is a miracle.
Ever since she was a child, Brandy has only known abandonment or abuse. Her mother walked in and out of her life, and when she was present in Brandy’s life, she offered little safety or protection. When the unthinkable happened at the hands of Brandy’s stepfather, her mother refused to believe her. Even after Brandy gave birth to a baby girl as a result of being assaulted, no one intervened. The deepest wounds come from those who should shelter us, and for Brandy, they were the most painful. Everyone in her life was a bystander to her suffering.
When trauma occurs this early in life with no loving adult to buffer the pain, those unhealed wounds can drag one into a nightmare she can’t escape. Brandy traveled the road of homelessness, toxic, violent relationships, and drug addiction. First her daughter and then a son were removed by CPS. Brandy endured unspeakable acts of violence at the hands of partners who were supposed to love her, which left her broken, at times unable to walk, and ultimately, in a hospital with serious stab wounds and contusions. Trapped in the fallout of shattered relationships, Brandy only understood fear and isolation.
Determined to reunify with her son, Brandy came to RETA. She longed to rebuild her life. Through participating in several programs, including mentorship, therapy, trauma classes, addictions recovery, and parenting classes, Brandy found her way back to her true identity and worth. With her son now under her roof, she plugged him into our teen program as well. Brandy took the hard and brave steps, which led to restoration and hope, and she continues to stay committed to the healing process. This month marks her one year of sobriety, one year of reclaiming her life from addiction.
Though the marks of trauma remain, Brandy now carries a lighter burden, entering our doors with a shy smile that brightens at the greetings of RETA staff. Just as relationships can break us, so, too, can relationships heal. And it is here at RETA where Brandy has met Christ followers who refuse to be bystanders.