Hi! My name is Amarah. Kids are important to me, and they’re important to Jesus, too.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 (KJV), “Whatever you’ve done unto the least of these (kids), you’ve done it unto me.”

“Kids like me” are kids whose parents are drug addicts, and alcoholics; kids who have suffered, or who are suffering, abuse and neglect on multiple levels; and kids who are victims of bullying.

Hey, kids like me! I had the privilege to ask questions of some mothers in Alamosa County Jail who are there because of their struggle with addiction. Today is the first story:

My name is Anne-Marie. I was born in Fargo, ND, but my home is Alamosa. As a child, I had both parents and grandparents in my life, and I attended Catholic Church. I had a pet cat who was the world to me and I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up.  

Growing-up, my three brothers and my sister and I observed our parents drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. I was not emotionally, physically or sexually abused in my young life. And, my dad was the one, most trusted-adult who I felt comfortable with talking about things in my life.

I played soccer, I was artistic, I wrote poems and short stories, and I loved singing. I made good grades in school and graduated early. My teachers were good with me, and my most memorable school-friend was Shauna.

I’m married and have three-children, one daughter, and two-sons. I believe in God, and I have a very strong relationship with my children, though they are with my mother, now. They’re my life. I took them to church and taught them about Jesus. But, while I was in my deep addiction, I hurt them because I emotionally neglected them. I’m deeply sorry for everything. But, I’ve made things right with them and I’ll always try to continue my sobriety and doing good.

I use drugs but I don’t drink alcohol. My drugs of choice are heroin and meth; I’ve used for 10 years. I started using drugs because I was emotionally abused and wanted to fit in. It started small and ended with a full-blown addiction. I want to stop using drugs! The thought of the possibility of my children using drugs scares me to death. I would never wish this addiction on anyone. If I could change anything in my life, I would change my addiction.

My advice for parents who are addicts…breathe. Take a good, long, deep breath and look at your life in 5/10 years and think…is this where I want to be?

My advice for grandparents of kids like me…never enable your own kids! Stay strong for your grandchildren. Remember, it’s not your fault!

My advice for kids like me…remember, it’s not your fault! We all make choices to go down different roads. You’re a beautiful child and you’ll go far in life. Pray! And, God will lead you to safety and security.

Even though I’m an addict I know that everything I’ve been through, and will continue to go through, is all for a reason. It has all made me who I am, and how strong I am.

If I woke up tomorrow and everything in my life was perfect, my perfect world would be where my heart is - next to my children, and my recovery would not be questioned. My past has made me an amazing person today, with strength. Only God knows why. And, I trust Him - no questions asked. He will guide me if I listen. He will guide you if you listen, too!

Thank you, Anne-Marie! And, thank you for reading my column. Write to me at Amarah’s “Kids Like Me” P.O. Box 354, Alamosa, CO 81101. If you know a kid like me, or parent who is an addict/alcoholic, please tell him or her about “Amarah’s Corner, Kids Like Me” in the Valley Courier and tell them to contact me, or you can contact me on their behalf. If you know a kid like me, or parent, who doesn’t have a Bible, but would like one, please, contact me and I’ll make sure he/she gets a Bible, “…and all the earth may know there is a God…” (1 Samuel 17:46, KJV).

“Kids Like Me” offers non-denominational World Bible School (WBS) Bible Correspondence Courses (free/postage paid) in English/Spanish to kids like me (ages 8-12), and their parents, too! Even if you’re not a kid like me, or if you’re a teen or adult, who would like the WBS Bible Correspondence Courses, send your name/age/address and I’ll get you started ASAP! I hope to hear from you soon!

My goal is to help kids like me, and I want to help their parents, too. Until next time, remember, Jesus Loves You, and JESUS IS LORD!