Jarrel was 12 or 13 when his parents divorced — on the heels of a new house, new neighborhood, new middle school, and none of his old friends. His significantly younger siblings meant that from day one he was cast as caretaker. The new house never quite felt like home.
His father was angry, and the small things would ignite him. Doors slammed and Jarrel would freeze mid-thought: was that for me, or for mom? He witnessed one frightening incident — no one was harmed, but it created a quandary he'd carry for years: he loved his dad and was unsure of him at the same time. His grandparents' place down the street became his refuge. He now sees the proximity as planned protection.
At 13, Jarrel was pulled into court. He and his siblings were brought by their grandparents and not told where they were going. He was interviewed more than once, peppered with questions by adults wanting his opinion on custody. He asked for 50/50 — because he thought it would keep things equal and not upset anyone. He didn't get it. What followed was over a decade of bouncing between homes, ongoing court battles, and both parents constantly poking him for information to use against the other. The case didn't fully close until his youngest brother turned 18.
Through all of it, Jarrel became the one who managed everything around him — parenting his little brothers, avoiding conflict, holding it together. His grandpa's apartment was the one steady room in his life. Before graduation, when the weight from his parents became too much, he lived essentially between his grandpa's place and his car. His depression got dark. Grandpa was, in his own words, always a light.
Years later, Jarrel learned things about his parents' own backgrounds that helped explain the behaviors he had lived through. He emerged extraordinarily adaptable, deeply self-aware, and open about the work — because talking about it makes it easier to grow. His goal now, plainly stated, is to be the best parent he can be, and to give his kids the relationship he didn't get.
Jarrel's book recommendations: What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo, East of Eden by John Steinbeck, and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
About Jarrel: Jarrel C.T. Thomas is a technologist who moonlights as a freelance writer and aspiring poet, dedicated to sharing evocative stories and experiences about all aspects of life. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding, vinyl records, spending time with his wife and kids, and growing in his faith with God.
Find Jarrel: Website: jarrelthomas.com Instagram: @jarrelct.thomas LinkedIn: jarrel-thomas
A note on this episode: This conversation touches on parental conflict, family court, and periods of depression. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out — in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.
In Between Them is a podcast about what it really feels like to grow up between two homes — hosted by Shannon Darrow, divorce coach and mediator, featuring honest conversations with people about what their parents' divorce shaped, broke, and built in them.
Have a question, a story to share, or interested in being a guest? Reach Shannon directly at [email protected].
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