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In this interview and story, Joy shares how You Night's Story Crafting program helped her break free from the mental gymnastics she was having over the subject matter of friendships that end with betrayal. We've all been there...where relationships that we form can unexpectedly turn into negative experiences, often leading us to scratch our heads as to what went wrong. Joy talks about how that can feel like the sting of a bee when that happens, but shares that the bee stings have resulted in more of a butterfly effect where those stings forced her to grow, and like a butterfly, spread her wings and fly.

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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

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Here's a partial transcript of the interview. Lu was on an oxygen tank at the time of this interview and it might be hard to make out all of her words.

My name is Lutricia Milton. I am the last of ten children. I was born November 5th, 1970 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. As far as I can remember, I had a good childhood. My mother sent my siblings and I to Mississippi to spend the summer with our grandparents. I enjoyed spending the summer with my grandparents. I learned most of my values unknown color. I learned most of my values and beliefs and Christianity from from them. Every morning we had to wake up to the sound of the rooster crow, make our bed, sweep the floors. Then we would rush out tea, wash our face, and sit at the table for breakfast. My grandmother would have breakfast ready for us Christians grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, homemade biscuit syrup and orange juice. And you could tell. I remember all of that. I remember we all had to say a Bible verse. We. For what we ate and had to give thanks to God. This was my life. Well, you know, childhood until I was 15 years old. Um, when I was 15 years old, I became pregnant and was too ashamed to tell my parents. So I went to Mississippi and apparently couldn't hide it from my grandparents either. So I went home to face the music. Um, I had an 8 pound, seven ounce baby girl on January 6th, 1987. I named her Alexis Dominique Nelson. She was the most beautiful baby that I ever seen. After having Alexis, I dropped out of high school because I was completely overwhelmed with life. Within 18 months later, I had another beautiful girl. I listened to Mitrice Nelson. She was 6 pounds when I when I was. I then realized I had to move out of my parent's home, and I applied for low income apartment and was approved to. I was 22 years old. I had no income from working and two babies to take care of. It seems as if my life is falling out of control. I enrolled in college. I received my Associate of Arts degree from Delgado Community College in 1996. Um, I havebeen. Two years later, my son was born Alonzo DeMarcus Milton. He was such a handsome and cute baby boy. I felt that I was finished with having kids after him. Then I met his father. In a year of his 8 pound 6oz was born. She was healthy. A healthy, beautiful baby girl. We were married for 20 years. He had his moments and so did I.

To see the entire transcript, visit You Night's Story Crafting Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
Please SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so that you can be inspired by future interviews!

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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

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Excerpt from Dr. Leslie's story:

"I realized life had changed and everyone had moved on. It was time to let go. There are no parents to approve or disapprove of my choices. Who I am, choices I make, my views of the world and desires for the future are mine alone to decide.

This is my time and I’m not afraid. Rarely have I stopped and thought about being alone or even the prospect of dying. I have no time for nonsense, have always abhorred drama, and never waste energy on it. Anyone who knows me well has heard me say no amount of worrying will change things. It is what it is.

I’ve learned being vulnerable and accepting help isn’t weakness. Armoring up results in anger and hurt so heavy it suffocates. Who I am, what I believe, and how I live, is not up for discussion. Others’ opinions no longer have no weight. All the made up ‘rules’ are fading as is the pressure to maintain an image. The strength, warmth, and comfort of the fire that burns inside will light the way."

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
Please SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so that you can be inspired by future interviews!

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com