Betty Espindola
My name is Elizabeth Espindola, I go by Betty. The nickname was given at childhood and just stuck! I am the seventh child in my family. Six girls and 1 boy. I had a pretty normal, happy childhood, climbing trees and playing outside. I had lots of pets growing up, and I still live like that today! I was a bit of a wild and curious and fearless, driven, girl. It's proven a helpful attribute in my adult life, but in my younger years, got me into trouble. I started using alcohol and moved to other drugs. By the age of 15, I was moved out of my parents' house, living with a much older man, and using daily. I barely graduated high school (but I did!) This wild lifestyle continued into my twenties and had stories that can fill a whole separate book! I finally got tired and hit bottom at 29. I found recovery and it was uphill from there. I met my husband, also in recovery, we had a beautiful, gifted, boy. A beautiful home and really, a Hallmark happy life for 20 years. We were active in our recovery, laughed a lot, and were best friends. My husband was an Ironworker, and I was an Alcohol and Drug counselor. Life was happy, and predictable in a good way. Then in 2020 he began to suffer with insomnia, anxiety, and the MH. 2021 was a horrible year. He attempted to take his life 6 times, finally jumping from a bridge by our home on the 7th attempt. I was shattered. I left my job, because I knew I couldn't help anyone, I sought out help, and my son and I went through a very, very rough patch with his family blaming us, and basically cutting us out completely. It has been truly unreal. Like Stephen King grabbed the pen and finished the classic Hallmark ending. Just unreal. It's going on 4 years. I have began practicing Yoga, I'm studying to be a Grief Educator and my art is really taking off. My son and I have a much better relationship now, without the family. We are really all we have. Each other. I really want to publish my book on grief. On resilience and hope. Thank you.
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