How I’m Fighting for My Family After a Year of Chaos
Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Last year, my family hit rock bottom. On August 1, 2023, my husband came home from prison. By September, we’d lost our RV and were living in a tent—my 17-year-old daughter, my husband, me, and our pets—moving between state parks and national forests. Then, I got sick with mono and couldn’t keep working.
Things got worse before they got better. We stayed briefly with a family member, then in a hotel. By the grace of God, on the last night we could afford a room, my daughter’s disability claim was approved, and we finally moved into an apartment.
But life had more twists in store.
In January, I got pregnant. That same week, I tested positive for the flu, COVID, and mono—again. My husband’s behavior started changing, and the domestic violence (DV) started soon after, including physical, emotional, and substances being introduced into my food and drinks. Terrified for my baby’s safety, I went to the hospital multiple times.
In March, my husband went back to jail, and I decided enough was enough. I left. Over the next few months, I lived in DV shelters, started trauma therapy, and slowly began rebuilding my life—one day at a time.
When my son was born, I thought the hardest part was behind me. But because of two hospital visits during my pregnancy, CPS got involved. Despite my baby testing negative for all substances and my clean screenings since March, I’ve had to fight to prove myself as a mother.
Now, I’m facing a new battle.
My son is medically complex. Every day, I’m fighting for his healthcare and advocating for his needs, all while working to prevent CPS from classifying him as medically fragile—a designation that could result in him being removed from my care. Roughly 80% of medically fragile cases end with children being removed from their homes.
I won’t let that happen.
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
1. Advocate relentlessly. No one will fight harder for your child than you.
2. Lean on community resources. Shelters, therapy, daycare programs, and workforce assistance have been lifelines for me.
3. Hold on to hope. Even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you, there’s always a way forward.
This journey has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but I’m not giving up. My son deserves the best care and a stable, loving home, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure he gets it.
If you’re reading this and struggling, you’re not alone. Whether you’re facing healthcare battles, DV, or CPS involvement, there’s hope. Keep fighting.
If my story resonates with you, please share it. You never know who might need to hear they’re not alone in their fight.
Let’s remind each other: no matter how dark it gets, there’s always light ahead. 💛
With love and grace,
~Josiah’s Mom
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