I took a belly dancing class with an acquaintance and her mother when I was 22 and recently single. I came across a flyer for coed volleyball while I was examination out. I asked about it and ultimately tried out for a team because I precious volleyball in high school. I met Mario there, and he asked me to join another YMCA team.
Courtesy of Mandi Booker
I was immediately enamoured with A’Jay when I later met her in a ecclesiastical gym. The following five years were filled with heartbreak, fear, addiction, and love. The night I bowled my ankle was the start of it all. A’Jay was presented to the car by my best friend Anna as my “walker.” We were almost inseparable after that night. Seeing the connection, our friends urged us to spend time composed. After a while, A’Jay and I moved in with Anna and her domestic.
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During a Grey’s Anatomy profitable break on October 15, 2009, my friend Alison encouraged me to get a pregnancy test. I was living with roommates at the age of 23, scared. I chortled uneasily when the test result was optimistic because I couldn’t believe it.
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There were signs of problems in the relationship by New Year’s Eve. By the time I was six months pregnant, A’Jay and his family were detained due to his increasing drinking. I felt put upon, silently balancing my pregnancy and bail. I preserved in spite of everything.
Courtesy of Mandi Booker
A’Jay was freed in May 2010 following a court hearing in New Mexico, soon before the June birth of our son Kayden. Addiction only got inferior, despite my hopes that things would improve. We ongoing hiding keys and having restless nights. Nevertheless, I stayed, and in April 2011, we were wedded.
Courtesy of Mandi Booker
The addiction cycle preserved. I had another son, Kameron, in 2012. Unpaid drug debts, broken promises, and sleepless nights made our life stressful. In 2014, we moved to West Texas in the hopes of a change, but habit ensued. After a terrible binge in June 2015, I finally gave A’Jay a warning: go to rehab or get out. He obvious to go.
Courtesy of Mandi Booker
It was problematic to be a single mother. My boys were upset and puzzled by their father’s absence. Interaction varied over the years, but addiction kept us apart. We persisted and became stronger in spite of all.
Courtesy of Mandi Booker
I felt called to foster in 2018. My boys were frightened, but they stood by me. Overnight, our family grew from three to five after our first assignment. We were devastated when the boys were reunited with their family after nine crying months.
Courtesy of Mandi Booker
A call concerning a 14-year-old boy in need of a new home then came in. We stayed for a weekend and fell in love right away. Our family was whole when we adopted him on February 26, 2020.
Courtesy of Jennifer Marie Photography
One day at a time, we continue to grow together in spite of setbacks.
