Amarah's Corner: Amarah shares Renee's story of addiction

Hi! My name is Amarah. Kids are important to me, and they’re important to Jesus, too.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 (KJV), “Whatever you’ve done unto the least of these (kids), you’ve done it unto me.”

“Kids like me” are kids/adults of all ages whose parents are/were drug addicts, and alcoholics; kids who have suffered, or who are suffering, abuse and neglect on multiple levels; and kids who are victims of bullying.

Hey, kids like me! I had the privilege to ask questions of some mothers who are in Alamosa County Jail because of their struggle with addiction. Today is the fourth story:

My name is Renee. I was born in La Jara, but Antonito is my home. I did not have both parents when I was little. My childhood was a mess. Both of my parents drank alcohol, smoked, and used drugs. And, I was emotionally, physically, and sexually abused when I was a child.

I attended church here-and-there when I was growing up. I do believe in God and I always will.

My Mama Char was the one trusted adult I could talk with about things in my life until she passed away.

I had one sister and one brother and I had my grandmas. I had a pet dog named Tommy; he was my life. And, I wanted to be a hair-and-nails stylist when I grew-up!

I had trouble in school and went to school only when I wanted to. I played sports - volleyball and basketball. My teachers were good with me, and my best friend was Jamie. I played guitar when I was in school (and still do). I was artistic, drew pictures, and wrote poems. And I still have a book I write in, mostly about my life.

I’m not married or divorced.

I have six children including my Angelito who passed-away; and children 7-yrs, 6-yrs, 3-yrs, 2-yrs, and baby on the way. My relationship with my children is poor. I see them on holidays, birthdays, and when they call me. I did not take them to church, or teach them about Jesus. I believe I maybe hurt them emotionally cause I’m not there when they need me, or want me to be. I am sorry for this and I do want to make things right with them. I will make things right with them. What can I do to make things right with them? Get help and get clean.

I do not drink alcohol, but my drug of choice is meth and I have used drugs since I was 18 years old. I started using drugs to help me work and lose weight. How has drug use affected my life? I have lost everything. I want to stop using drugs!

I don’t want my children to use drugs and I hope that me getting help will show them it’s wrong.
If I could change anything in my life it would be the first time I took that hit.

My advice for parents who are addicts is to get help before it’s too late because it’s never too late.
My advice for grandparents of kids like me? I thank grandparents, like my father, who give up their lives to take care of my (our) children. Never give up hope on us because we haven’t given up on ourselves.

My advice for “kids like me” is to stay strong and never give-up! Always have hope and love in your heart!

If I woke-up tomorrow morning and my life was like I wanted it to be, it would be me having a life = my children, a home, a job, my family. Love. All I need is my children and my family.

Thank you, Renee! And, thank you for reading my column. Write to me at Amarah’s “Kids Like Me” P.O. Box 354, Alamosa, CO 81101. If you know a kid like me, or parent, who is an addict/alcoholic, please tell him/her about “Amarah’s Corner, Kids Like Me” in the Valley Courier. Tell them to contact me, or you can contact me on their behalf. If you know a kid like me, or parent, who doesn’t have a Bible, but wants one, please, contact me. I’ll make sure he/she gets a Bible, “…and all the earth may know there is a God…” (1 Samuel 17:46, KJV).

Amarah’s “Kids Like Me” offers non-denominational World Bible School (WBS) Bible Correspondence Courses (free/postage paid) in English/Spanish to kids like me (ages 8-12), their parents, and even if you’re not a kid like me! Teens/adults take the WBS Master Series Courses so if you would like the WBS Courses, send your name/age/address and I’ll get you started ASAP! I hope to hear from you soon! My goal is to help kids like me, and I want to help their parents, too. Until next time, remember, Jesus Loves You, and JESUS IS LORD!