Letter: Carson cares enough to turn a life around

For most folks in Carson City, Tuesday, May 23, was just one more day of the week. For me, it marked the 10th anniversary of the day I arrived here to start a new life for myself.

With all my possessions in the back of my station wagon, I came from out of state to enter the Advocates Domestic Violence Shelter. It was the first time I have ever driven anywhere long distance by myself. I was 37 years old, had never even been to Nevada before, and didn't know anyone who lived here. As I drove into town that night, I wondered what this little town, tucked in for the night by the mountains, held in store for me. Would I fit in here? Would I make friends and find the kind of life I longed for? Would I be able to survive long enough to ever be successful at something?

These were only a few of the questions flooding my mind that night so long ago. Sleep would not come easy for several years, as nightmares chased me in my dreams. At times the obstacles in my way seemed insurmountable. But when I compared it to the alternatives, I knew I couldn't go back. I had to go forward somehow.

I will never forget that first morning at the shelter. It was full of women getting ready for the day ahead. As I sat at the kitchen table, I felt completely and utterly abandoned. And very, very scared. I managed to find a teabag and a cup, and sat at the kitchen table staring at the floor waiting my turn at the tea kettle.

Just then something happened that I will never forget. One of the women quietly walked over with the tea kettle and carefully poured hot water into my cup, completely covering my waiting teabag. Tears filled my eyes as this simple act of kindness touched my broken spirit, and I started to cry.

It had been so long since I had experienced simple kindness. In that moment, the woman put an arm around me and said, "You're safe now. No one's going to hurt you here."

She was to be only the first of hundreds of kind, caring people in this town who have touched my life in some profoundly real way. And I am writing this letter to say "thank you" to all of you.

I would especially like to thank all the Advocates, staff, board members and volunteers, who work so hard to make the shelter what it is - wondering what would have happened to me had I not had someplace to turn is a very sobering thought; also thank you to the welfare system, food stamps, FISH, low income housing, Department of Employment Services and Vocational Rehab who supported me throughout my struggle to become self-reliant. Thank you, Carson Mental Health and Carson-Tahoe Behavioral Health for being in my corner when I needed you; to WNCC financial aid, counselors and teachers who encouraged me to reach for the stars.

To all the hard-working Nevadans who pay taxes and wonder if your money ever really goes for anything worthwhile. Yes, it does, and I, for one, am deeply grateful. And to all the wonderful friends I've met along the way who have so generously shined their light on my path ... thank you to you all. There is absolutely no way in the world I would be where I am today without you. As it takes a village to raise a child, so does it take a community to reach out to the despairing.

Today I am doing well and just wanted you to know. I am a homeowner, a graduate of WNCC, successfully employed and a positive, productive addition to my community. I have also remarried and finally know the joy of being in a partnership with a kind and gentle man. Thank you, sweetheart, for so graciously enduring as I put you through all the "tests." God really did save the best for last.

So thank you, Carson City! I owe so much to you! It gives me such a great feeling to know this is my town now too. You reached out to me, helped me heal and cheered me on. You've given me stories to tell my children and kept me alive and going long enough to see how the stories end.

And I will always remember you for that.

DARLAJEAN BROOKS

Carson City