Kerri reached out to Telecare when she was overwhelmed by life's burdens, too heavy to bear

alone. She opened up about growing up by an alcoholic father and a mother battling

schizophrenia. Seeking refuge from a home where verbal and physical abuse were commonplace,

Kerri often stayed away, only to be punished by her father for what he saw as disrespect for

not being home.

For a couple years, Kerri found comfort by attending a small church down the road, but lost

interest when her favorite teacher moved away and the new one seemed judgmental of Kerri’s

situation. We supported Kerri in managing these childhood memories.

More recently, Kerri expressed her ongoing inability to trust people. She married but discovered

that her husband was abusive and unfaithful. She married again but divorced when learning her

second husband was addicted to pornography.

In listening to Kerri’s story, we asked how she manages her relationships now, and she said

“cautiously.” She is in a trauma relief group through her current church and enjoys friendships

with two other single women. We encourage her in those relationships, as they seem

redeeming and life-giving.

Remarkably, Kerri holds no resentment towards God or others. When asked how she manages,

her response is simple yet profound: 'by forgiving others.' We share her belief that forgiveness

is a powerful act of releasing the pain inflicted by others, paving the way for hope and healing in the future.