One Face of Success:
Nicole's Story
As we were exploring the idea of success
wearing different “faces,” we
received a call from former resident Nicole. Now at first glance,
Nicole might be a Bethany House girl that was not as successful
as some. However, her unique circumstances and her own personal
growth are something to cheer about.
Young Nicole grew up never knowing her father. She lived with
her mom and grandparents until she was eight years old. At that
time, her mother married an Air Force guy (that's her description!)
Her family began to move all over the country, leaving Nicole
feeling out of place and uprooted, never able to settle down
in one place. She also explained even though her new dad adopted
her and provided love and support, she always felt abandoned
and rejected by her real father. Thus, began her quest for seeking
love, a father's love, in all the wrong places, primarily destructive
relationships.
After a horrible fight with her grandparents, Nicole moved to
Portland, Oregon, where she met a man on the internet. Her internet
romances and compulsive relationships continued to worsen. She
moved in with this man and again got pregnant, eventually there
was a drug bust that brought child protective services into her
life. She had a hard pregnancy, having to administer shots to
keep from contracting deadly blood clots. After much pleading
from her family she came to Bethany House, where she stayed for
only six weeks.
Looking back today, Nicole realizes just
how “good she
had it” at Bethany House, where she was pursuing her GED,
and learning life skills. Unfortunately, for Nicole, she wanted
to do things her way, and left against our advice, knowing she
could lose her baby to the state. Armed with the dose of hope
she had received at Bethany House, she fought for her baby, and
today is the mother of Kayden, now three months old. Nicole shared, “Leaving
Bethany House was a mistake. The grass is not always greener
on the other side. But, I did learn a great deal in a very short
time. Today, I'm in parenting classes. I'm getting my GED and
starting job training. Bethany House and this birth have helped
me grow up. I've learned God loves me and he has given me so
much grace even though I made so many poor choices and mistakes.
Bethany House was my beginning, now I'm walking out a better
ending.” Indeed, this is a budding success story. We'll
definitely stay tuned!
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