Parents play a crucial role in each individual's life. Everyone has them, it's a natural part of life. Maybe your parents taught you everything you know and you have a great relationship with them, as it should be. On the other hand, maybe you learned most of what you know from a handful of other influences, and you don't have such a great relationship with your parents. As for me, I would fall in the latter category. Once upon a time, my biological father left my biological mother, 18-month-old brother and three-year-old me in pursuit of the druggie, hippy, gypsy lifestyle. My brother and I were down to being raised by an insecure single mother, who constantly struggled with the overuse of alcohol. Since then, my father has come and gone several times, with the best of intentions, although with unhealthy patterns and destructive ways. In my own life, my parents' roles consistently displayed toxic traits, the biggest being substance abuse. Collectively, it has caused much turmoil and heartbreak in the lives of everyone they have encountered. As their oldest child, I have taken most of the brunt of the hit. I spent most of my younger years feeling extremely lonely, depressed, anxious, and inadequate, to say the least. Thankfully though, I've now found deliverance from the massive hurt, and I am in a much better place today. Most of that is due to the many people who have supported me and surrounded me with love through my growing-up years when I didn't have it from those I needed it most. I wouldn't be here, or be the person I am today without the people who chose to love me as their own, and offer counsel and help in every area they could. I know my story isn't the only one like this. Despite the pain I've experienced, I've made it my mission to take the ashes my parents have created and turn them into beauty. My goal is to reach the souls of those who have been deeply affected by or have personally experienced substance abuse. The tragedy that it leads to is abominable, but that doesn't mean we are required to live with that burden for the rest of our lives. There is great hope for every single one of us to heal from the trauma and pain rooted in substance abuse and the many issues it causes. I know that being and becoming someone that others who have struggled with this can come to for guidance and lovingkindness will break chains and spark renewal. I will put my best foot forward and then some to be a part of turning lives around for the better.