03/02/2026
A few days ago I ran into the child protective services worker who investigated me 11 years ago… at my son’s basketball game.
Her child and Henry are now on the same team.
And instead of feeling shame — I felt peace.
Life has a way of coming full circle.
Many years ago, during one of the hardest seasons of my life, I experienced a severe mental health breakdown and psychotic episode. At the time, I was also a foster parent and knew many of the professionals involved — which made an already traumatic situation feel even more overwhelming and personal.
Because of my behavior during that crisis, an investigation was opened. There were never any findings of abuse or neglect toward any child in my care — but it was still one of the most humbling and painful chapters of my life.
For a long time, moments like that would have filled me with quiet shame.
But healing does something powerful.
I was able to smile, sit confidently in the stands, and watch Henry play — fully grounded in the mother and person I have worked very hard to become.
I share pieces of my story not because it’s easy… and not because everyone understands.
I share because every single week, someone messages me privately to say, “I thought I was the only one,” or “Your post helped me breathe again.”
If you are in the messy middle of your own hard chapter right now — please hear this:
You are not disqualified from becoming an incredible parent.
You are not defined by your worst season.
And with support and time, healing really can happen. 🤍
