Who Rescued Who

Best friend Along dirt paths, I am led Paw prints ahead  As the sun beams through the trees In nature, at peace  You look back at me We’re both smiling I love you too, unconditionally  Heaven sent My best friend  You teach me about what really matters God spelled backwards ~ CR “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” ~ Philippians 1:3 Poetry is an art, it’s a creative outlet which I found deep discovery of myself through writing during my first sobriety stretch in 2023. I even wrote a poetry book! It’s a deeply personal memoir of spiritual growth in recovery, offering hope and inspiration to those struggling with addiction, body dysmorphia, and/or mental health. I have battled these challenges for now 17 years and my book presents a unique blend of poetry, personal insights, and scripture, accompanied by featured custom-painted artwork. This book is thoughtfully written and formatted with the purest of intentions. I’m excited t...

Penny & Buddy The best part about our house: our rescued animals— one cat and two dogs! Penny has never had a domestic, home life before us. She is two years old, from the streets of Puerto Rico; where she ran with a dog pack and learned how to fend for herself.  Penny is timid and on guard towards people, but extremely friendly with other dogs— and gentle with everyone and everything. She is our little sweet heart. Penny’s safe space and favorite spot in the house is on our bed (I don’t think she’s ever laid on something so comfortable).  The first day Buddy came home on March 7, 2026, he and Penny instantly got along.  Penny was slow to open up, but welcoming; although, she did claim our bed, but that’s okay because Buddy has his own dog room where he can lounge and comfortably watch Paw Patrol in peace. However, it’s been over a month and they now share our bed (although sometimes Buddy still prefers his room). Buddy continues to slowly bring Penny ou...

Let’s talk about it! Given that my partner was a pro who used to skateboard for and tour with Nike— skateboarding is a hot topic in our house.   Whether it’s playing on the TV (always) or he’s coming to or from the park— skateboarding is something we’ve really come to bond over. We’re both in addiction recovery and find it to be an active, healthy outlet. When we first met, we were always going to different skateparks.  He even taught me how to ollie! One of my favorite memories was an event at Lot 11 in Miami where we saw Travis Scott— and also snapped some pics on the handy polaroid with Lil Dre, Robert Neal, Kareem Campbell, Jax Decker and Zion Effs!   Life’s been busy and hectic recently— we’re both wanting to get back to the skatepark together. 

A little bit about our dog, Buddy :) Buddy was rescued by Snip Collier in Naples, FL. Buddy was found with a fractured leg, pellet wound, severe ear infections, and heart worm. They’ve recently amputated both of his ears so he can live comfortably. Today, Buddy had his stitches removed from his ear amputation surgery! Buddy is on the road to recovery as his ears heal from surgery (7 more days of wearing his cone!); he’s eating a strict prescription-only diet (and prescription-only treats, of course!) to help him obtain healthy weight and treat his skin allergies; and next Snip will be treating his heart worm. Buddy has come a long way since February— thank you, Snip, for all you’ve done and continue to do for Buddy. We are honored to be a part of his journey, and blessed to call him ours. “The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.” ~ Proverbs 12:10 If you can, please consider donating to Snip’s Helping Paws Medical Fund, so they can keep saying ...

There have been two recent, moving art experiences at different churches that I feel compelled to write/share about, and spread the love and light I was blessed to receive by attending these events.  On Palm Sunday, artist and pastor Paul Oman did a live painting during worship at Hope Luthern Church. The most fascinating part about watching this painting come to life (while loving all the colors, but wondering what he was trying to depict) was when he actually flipped the canvas over halfway through, only to reveal he'd been painting upside down! The image he was painting then became clearer— it just took a different perspective to see it.  Every brush stroke flowed as Paul’s talent took shape onto the canvas and into a visual we could all understand— Jesus Christ, our savior. Today, at Unity Church, mental health coach Dawn Bower hosted a “Release Challenges with Neurographic Art Workshop;” where we learned how the creative process of Neurographic Art can help transfor...

Today, I found peace while praying and pondering in a beautiful butterfly garden. Butterfly metamorphosis is a fascinating process, which became extremely symbolic to me when I first got sober in February 2023, as it instinctively mirrors sobriety and transformation.  Sobriety feels like my own metamorphosis journey—slow and uncomfortable, but necessary to become/grow into the best version of myself. Even though I’ve experienced relapsing, deep inside lies the desire to become who I am meant to be— who God created me to be. Refusing to give up on myself and knowing hard changes can lead to something beautiful (butterfly metamorphosis)— through prayer and surrender, God continues to transform me. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” ~ Philippians 1:6 Lines from a poem I wrote about a butterfly’s journey during my first sobriety stretch in 2023: “Comforting to know storms come to an end;  Our Father is our sour...

Today— April 10, 2026— I am 8 months sober.   God gave me the Gift Of Desperation on August 10, 2025, and I am forever grateful. I celebrated my sobriety today at a local church garden with my dogs, where I prayed and reflected on the past 8 months— the struggles, growth, and quiet victories that brought me to this moment. Reminiscing on where I started, how far I’ve come, and the life I’m continuing to rebuild— I am trusting that each step forward from here will be purposeful and guided by God.  Thy will be done. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” ~ Romans 8:28