‘Jenny*’ was a young woman I met through my role as an Addiction Counsellor. Unfortunately, her story is the reality today for many people, particularly women, struggling with addiction.
Jenny had emigrated to England and experienced a lot of domestic abuse from her partner who was taking illicit drugs. She became co-dependent. She had a child and, seeking to escape the abuse, left with another man to live in his home city. She had a second child. Again, she experienced domestic abuse and, additionally, racism.
Eventually, she made her way back to Dublin and stayed with her extended family who looked after her children. However, her family could not cope, and her children were taken into care.
Jenny too struggled to cope; she ended up homeless, living on the streets, and became addicted to illicit drugs. She began counselling and was doing very well. She got a little flat on her own but once again experienced abuse.
Jenny died in her flat during the pandemic. May she rest in peace.
Where has Jenny gone? She has emigrated again. This time to her true home with Christ, to her Merciful (Prodigal) Father and Unconditional Lover.
* Not her real name.
Image Credit: PhotoMIX-Company Pixabay
Brian Murtagh C.S.Sp.
