Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Harmon.
Hi Shay, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Im am the youngest of two daughters of a loving but chaotic household. The term used to describe us sisters was that she was born perfect and I was born pissed off. This led to me feeling isolated from my family and the world. Having an outsiders view was not easy. I raged against the unfair and injustice to no avail. It was safer to shrink and hide. I became a hermit inside my own home. Trapped in the same environment that had created me. So naturally I turned to addiction to soothe the pain of not belonging. Many terrible things happened to me in this time. Just assume the worst and you’re still probably not seeing the depth of the pain. During this time I met a man and had a vision. A honest to God vision that I was supposed to have a child with this man but not marry him. Crazy , I know. What came next was unbelievable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was a weird romance to say the least. Drugs, drama and severe psychological abuse. We were married. Going against what I had seen for love. We had a son, beautiful and perfect. The pit in my stomach began to turn when I realized this angel was now stuck in my hell. God entered again and removed my husband. While he was in prison I set out to get clean and return to God’s path. I thought this would save me and my son but I was not prepared for what came next.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
During my journey of recovery I was diagnosed with cancer. The same part of me that gave me my son was trying to kill me. I had a inoperable tumor and had to start chemo. My husband now out of prison used this opportunity to steal my medication. Trying to convince me of insanity along the way. I completed my chemo but believe keeping my family together was the right thing to do. So I stayed in hell again. The cancer came back worse than before now with severe disabilities added to the list. I had to have a surgery the would likely end me. Knowing my death could be certain , I did something bold. I left my husband. Returned to my childhood home and decided to do this alone. Terrified of death but knowing if I could only do one last thing it would be to save my son. Alone with my child and nothing but surgery on the horizon I knew at least he was free.
What’s next?
At this time. A long time childhood friend returned to my life. Bryan. Eventho he could see all the pain and suffering and self inflicted torment upon me, he could still see the girl. The girl who was his friend during his own early difficulties. He picked me up and loved me completely. He had a daughter who had also been dealt a hard lot. Her birth mother had scared her brain before she even entered this world. She needed me and tho I could no longer have children she was my own. I helped her learn to speak while Bryan helped me heal my soul. Bringing me closer and closer to God. Almost 10 years later. My son is about to graduate high-school at 15 . My daughter can have full conversation and take care of herself. My partner has graduated college, got a great job, and is a singer in the amazing band the funeral procession. As for me, im sober, cancer free, happy and in love . My possibilities are endless because of the love and safety we have built together. I would like to write a book to fully explain the trails of my path. If my journey could help anyone I feel It is my duty.
