Part 2: "...I couldn't not do it."

- I want to help the vulnerable. It’s not about me, you know? I’ve always believed that I’m meant to contribute to something beyond myself. I’ve heard stories about people still being treated unfairly or arrested just because they’re brown or because they work in construction… I know it because I talked to them and they shared it with me. I realize that I have all of these privileges, and I need to do something with them.

- Is your family worried about you?

- I think they are… I actually didn’t tell them I went to DC before I left this time because I didn’t want anyone to tell me not to. I knew I couldn’t not do it, you know? 

- They care about you. But I get it, it’s your calling. So I understand why you didn’t want to be talked out of going.

- Yes, it is. Like, if I don’t do something about it and stand up for people who are vulnerable, my body would get sick. I absorb other people’s emotions too. You know that feeling? 

- I do, actually. Sometimes I feel like it could be a double-edged sword... but life feels more meaningful when you live your purpose, doesn’t it? 

- It does!

- I’m sensing it’s rooted in something deeper. Do you want to share your story with me?

- Hmm… you’re right. You know, I always feel like I’m lucky to have a lot of privileges in my life, but I also used to work two jobs and… My first husband, the one I got married to before my husband now. I believed that we could work it out and we went to couples therapy before, but he was so angry because he told me, “They said you were doing it right and I had to work on myself.” So one day, he just walked away. I tried to keep everything together, but my four kids, they were devastated. The oldest, I think, was 16? 13, 11, 10. 

- I’m sure it must have been so difficult. And when did you get remarried?

- In 1998. Actually, I think our anniversary is coming up. But yeah, that entire time after my first husband left was difficult. I couldn’t afford rent for us all, and there was no gas in the house… so we moved out. I juggled two jobs and tried many jobs at that time.

- I can’t imagine how you handled it all. Did you find a lawyer back then to help with the divorce?

- No, I went to court myself.

(stay tuned for part 3)