WEST PALM BEACH — It’s hard for one to understand some of the troubles that others go through in their lives. Some decisions that people make, poor relationships that people stay in just because, for one reason or another.

Then, at a time when you least expect it, God puts someone in your life with an incredible story. A story that reads like a script from a movie.

But listening to Vanessa talk about where she has been, how far she has come and how far she intends to go with Punk Bunny Fashion, this is not a movie script at all. This is real life and she is living it.

I had a wonderful marriage until my husband died over three years ago. We had our ups and downs like most marriages have, but I can say our marriage was full of respect for each other, lots of love for each other, for our children, friends and family. There was never a time when I can remember being belittled, hit, insulted, or talked down to by him, and I can’t remember ever treating him as such.

But so many people are living in marital dysfunction and abuse, and for whatever reason they don’t want to get out or feel that they can’t get out.

Hence my respect for Vanessa.

I’ve spent countless hours listening to Vanessa tell her story about survival, being hit, being beaten, running for her life and her quest to save her children to make sure they did not grow up thinking it was okay for them to abuse or be abused.

Vanessa has incredible strength, grace and faith in God. Her love for her children is immeasurable.

Vanessa with her children, Artemis, Alex and Ramona.

So when I hear people say that they are in a bad relationship because of their children, I think of Vanessa, who says her children are the reason why she left her abusive situation.

As I sit and talk to her and watch her make her jewelry all with a special message, I’m amazed by her strength, her beauty both inside and outside and her desire to get her message out to others.

That message: There is a better way, never stay in an abusive situation. Find someone to help you get out.

But most important never give up on your dream.

Her message encourages me in all that I’m doing, attempting to run a business and being a widow and a mother of 6 children. If she can do it so can I.

Sometimes in life people just need to hear the stories of others to gain strength. I find that renewed strength that sometimes I find fading in myself when I listen to Vanessa talk about her journey.

Today I proudly wear a piece of her jewelry, a piece that she made just for me, because she thinks I’m a strong woman. But, no Vanessa. You are the pillar of strength in my eyes.

I’m a firm believer that happiness is a choice.

For the Vanessa’s out there, I take my hat off to you all for making that choice to seek happiness and pass that on to your children.

Vanessa has three wonderful children, all of whom are strong productive members of society and I say they got it from their mom. Way to go Vanessa.

I encourage all of you to check out Vanessa’s jewelry at Punk Bunny Fashion. It’s sophisticated, sexy and fun.

When you make a purchase you’re helping someone else take back their own life, by getting out. She found that person in an unlikely place. Read about it in her blog.

And if you need help getting out, Vanessa has a list of resources for you to contact. You can also reach out to her for help.

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