As I sat in on a Who’s That Lady Women’s Conference listening to one woman share her story; her struggles of trying any and everything to help her son who was headed down a road of self- destruction, I was transfixed on her every word, chills running through my body and tears welling up in my eyes!

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Her story, her struggle, her pain, her tears? They were mine… she was telling my story!

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At the end of the conference, I was compelled to approach this brave woman who stood up to tell “Our” story. I looked in her eyes and sympathized with the turmoil she was experiencing, and I understood just how vulnerable she must be feeling at that very moment. I shared some of my story with her, letting her know I was in her situation only a few years ago and I recognize her pain and unrest.

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“I wanted so desperately to save my son from himself, unfortunately, I couldn’t.”

In 2015, my son was sentenced to 15 years in prison! My life will forever be changed, and this feeling of failure remains with me.

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“Sometimes they don’t realize the consequences until it’s too late, nor the devastation their actions may cause their family and friends.” I recalled my son saying, “if only I would have listened to you, I wouldn’t be in this place where they treat me like I’m less than human!”

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As I sat with this mother who was broken and looking for help, I had a sudden epiphany! “Would you be receptive to my son calling your son or writing him a letter about his experience in prison?” she immediately said “Yes!”

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I thought, who better for her son to relate to than someone who has been in his shoes!

At times, a reflection in the mirror is exactly what you need to refocus and redirect. At that moment……

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Life Beyond Bars was born.