Navigating Life After Incarceration: Small Victories and Ongoing Struggles

Navigating Life After Incarceration: Small Victories and Ongoing Struggles

This weekend was a mess of highs and lows. My oldest daughter was on a game show Saturday (can’t say which one—NDA stuff), and she won $750. I’m proud as hell of her.

Later that same day, I got into a car accident. A woman cut me off while I was driving my ex’s car. I left space, did everything right, but still ended up hitting her. No charges, thankfully—but driving’s part of how I make money, and now that might not be an option anymore. That hits hard.

My ex actually took it okay, but still accused me of crashing the car on purpose. Said I might be suicidal. I wasn’t. I’m not. But I never know what version of her I’m gonna get. I’m just trying to hold it together, be there for my kids, and figure out what the hell comes next.

I’ve been seriously thinking about becoming an electrician. The money’s decent, and people actually need them. I need something real and steady.

Right now, I’m sitting in the library, not even wanting to be here. I feel stuck. I’m pulling in $325 a month—barely enough to breathe. Minimum wage is $17.20 an hour. I could earn that in a week. I just need to make sure I don’t screw myself over by losing the little support I have. Ontario Works isn’t cutting it. This isn't survivable long term.

Got a few people I need to talk to this week. Just trying to make the right moves and not lose what’s left of my footing. “There’s safety in a multitude of counselors” (Prov 11:14).

Wish me luck. I need it.