We recently met a real life ray of sunshine. Her name is Paula and she has a contagious happiness and glow about her. Traits so many people crave. For Paula, warmth and hope are second nature. She generously offered to share her story with us. Her real story. No fudging or sugar coating. Life and choices bring about hardship and she didn’t dodge any of that.
Paula worked as a flight attendant and Realtor for years. Life was smooth sailing. Drugs entered the scene and threw a major wrench in Paula’s life plans. She lost everything and spent years struggling to keep a safe roof over her head. She relied on food banks and often found herself with a box of oatmeal to her name. Life wasn’t so smooth sailing. This is where so many people would shake their heads and judge Paula and others who have made choices similar to hers. Just wait. The story doesn’t end there.
After three years in an intensive rehabilitation program, Paula crawled out of the trenches and found that positive life rhythm she was desperately searching for. She found a good place. After surviving a life threatening car accident, she went through physical therapy and started writing and expressing her faith through shockingly beautiful poetry. She self-published her books, documenting the story of her life. After years of relying on food pantries, Paula started showing up at a FBR agency partner to help. To give back. Volunteering brings her additional joy and makes her grateful for everything she has. Paula uses her struggles and her accomplishments to add hope to the lives of those around her.
Our darkest moments tend to bring about the sunshine that Paula carries with her. We’re grateful that FBR was able to catch a glimpse and play a role in carrying Paula through her journey.
You can check out Paula’s website for more of her story and poetry.
