#274 Finding Hope in the Darkest Times: Kristina Heppner's Road to Redemption

We are humbled to meet our next guest, Kristina Heppner, in her small room at the halfway house where she currently resides with her boyfriend, James, as they await the paperwork to move into their new apartment. As we set up the table and chairs, the room exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, giving us a sense that Kristina's stories will be powerful and healing.Kristina had a privileged middle-class upbringing, with a wonderful childhood and a stay-at-home mom, while her dad worked as an engineer. It was an idyllic and beautiful American childhood. However, she distinctly remembers the events of 9/11, which triggered anxiety and separation anxiety with her mom, manifesting as she progressed through third grade. As time went on, she started experimenting with drugs and alcohol in high school, leading to a fateful night where she unknowingly consumed a laced drug, plunging her into a dark and challenging place.Subsequently, Kristina's life took a tumultuous turn, as she found herself in and out of mental hospitals, spending a year on the streets, and experiencing various foster homes. Her story is undeniably difficult, but amidst the hardships, there is a glimmer of hope and courage that shines through. We explore this resilience in the episode.One of the toughest moments in the interview was discussing the heart-wrenching decision to give up her children when they were just three and four years old, a consequence of her addiction and illness. Like many guests of The Jar who have traveled challenging paths, we often find that hope is embedded within their stories. For Kristina, that hope lies in the prospect of having her own apartment, a chance to start anew and take control of her life's trajectory.We invite you to join us as we sit down with Kristina and listen to her story through The Jar, witnessing her journey of struggle, but also witnessing her unwavering hope and determination to rebuild her life. For more of The Jar, visit:Website: https://www.thejar.live/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast.