Eighth grade at the Dayridge House held a mix of comfort, confusion, and change. In this episode, I share more memories from that time, including morning coffee in the Florida room, movie nights with my foster family, visits with my mom, new friendships, and meaningful moments with my dad that reminded me I was still deeply loved.

But it wasn’t all easy. There were experiences that challenged my sense of safety and stirred emotions I couldn’t yet name. This chapter also includes a turning point in my mom’s mental health, one that shifted everything and stayed with me long after.

Names and places have been changed for privacy, and some details may blur with time, but the heart of the story remains.

Sometimes healing means remembering the light that did peek through, even when the road was heavy.