Amarah's Corner: Mom in jail shares her story, advice

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 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 third story:

My name is Shalonda. I was born in Alamosa. I didn’t have both parents while growing-up because my father was in-and-out of prison. But, I had my mother.

Both of my parents drank alcohol, smoked, and used drugs. I was emotionally, physically, and sexually abused. I had brothers, sisters, grandparents, and a pet that was very important to me. I wanted to be a plastic surgeon when I grew-up. I didn’t really have a trusted adult to talk with.

I was a good student and always had good grades. Some teachers were good with me, and I had a lot of friends. It was just my crowd of friends and life I was brought into. I fought a lot in school. I played the flute, violin, basketball, was in dance and I was a cheerleader.

I’m artistic, draw a lot, and I write poems to keep people happy.

I attended church somewhat when I was little. I believe in God, and I have four handsome boys, 8-yrs; 7-yrs; 2-yrs; and 1-yr old. They know about Jesus and I want to take them to church. I never hurt them physically, emotionally, or sexually, because I was abused when I was 13 by my mother’s boyfriend and I tried to make sure they weren’t hurt the way I was hurt.

I want to make things right with them by being a better mother. I will make things right with them by getting out of jail, moving, and concentrating on them rather than thinking about my street-life. I’m done with that life. My boys are the reason why I don’t give-up on life.

I started drinking alcohol when I was 12 because of my family and friends. But, I’ve stopped drinking and haven’t had alcohol for almost one-year. My drug of choice is meth. I’ve used for six-years because of depression and because I was getting abused by my ex’s. But, I want to stop using drugs.

Drinking alcohol and using drugs affected my life, bad. I ended-up in trouble, in jail, and away from my babies. I don’t want my sons to ever drink alcohol or use drugs. That’s why I need to show a good example to them.

If I could change anything I would change my whole life. I would have my own house, car, and job. I would take my kids to school, go to their school plays, concerts, and games. I would not be the person I am today.

I wish my parents had loved me and raised me right instead of making me feel like I’m the mistake that happened in their life (I understand that, Shalonda)!

My advice for grandparents of kids like me…never give-up hope on us. There’s always a chance for us and prayer helps a lot.

My advice for kids like me…keep your head, mamas! I believe a lot of children are abused. Makes me happy to see you step-up and open-up to the world because I was always scared to open-up. You’re the first I’ve opened-up to.

Wow. That is an honor. Thank you, Shalonda! 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!