Little did I know that when I asked Kenda...
Meet Kenda – She Had the Power Within All Along
Little did I know that when I asked Kenda to tell me a little bit about herself, I would be taken on a journey of love, hope, strength, and courage. That our conversation would change me and inspire me to reflect on my own life. Her story just may change you too. It’s a reminder that it is never too late to be what you might have been if you are willing to make different choices.
“I am a single mom of 3 kids: Zoey 16, Harlem 10, and Axel 4. I am currently enrolled at Community College taking Social Services, and I am almost done if my first year,” she said proudly. Curious, I asked, “Why did you choose Social Services studies?” I was surprised by her answer. “I am a recovering addict who takes recovery very seriously. It’s my #1 cause as without it I don’t have anything I just mentioned, her voice filled with empathy, “I want to help people however that looks. I know what it’s like to be in a very dark spot and struggle. I found a way out, so I feel my purpose is to show others the way.” As she spoke, I could feel the sensation of goosebumps forming on my arms.
After a moment, I asked,” Do you have any idea what brought you down the path of addiction?” She replied, “I think I just always felt different. Like I didn’t fit in anywhere despite coming from a good home. I just more or less felt good around the wrong crowd. And it got me into a lot of trouble with the wrong people, abusive boyfriends, the same guy with a different face.” Like an open book, she continued,” It wasn’t until I committed to a Recovery House for women with trauma and addictions for a 6 month stay, I learned that no matter what happened to us, we are all responsible for our own healing. I was stuck for a long time on the people that hurt me. I didn’t know how to let that go, and I believe that’s what kept me stuck in addiction for so long.” I felt a rush of emotions wash over me as I hung into her every word.
Kenda went on to share that with the love and kindness of her family, friends, children, and mentors like her younger sister and brother-in-law, she has been sober for 2 and a half years. “I believe we are what we surround ourselves with. I never believed that before because that would mean things were my fault, but it’s true.” I paused for a moment, “Those are some power words, life-changing words.” She continued, “Now, I surround myself with people who truly love, care for me, and do not shake my hard-earned sense of inner peace. I’m so grateful and I love showing them gratitude which I believe is huge in life.”
She was excited to share a simple moment that she was grateful for, “I finally got my driver’s license last year. One of my favourite moments was when I spent the day at the beach with my children last summer, and I drove us!” Hearing the joy in her voice put a huge smile on my face. She has so much to be proud of. I am proud of her too. For it is truly the simple things in life that make us happiest if we will just let it.
Before we ended our conversation, she shared her favourite quote, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. - Martin Luther King” Thank you, Kenda, for sharing your light with us. You are truly an inspiration.