339: What if someone gave up everything to save you?
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Deep Dive
Why did Kristen's family move from their first home in Colorado?
Kristen's family moved because her parents were uncomfortable staying in the same neighborhood after she was molested by her best friend's older brother, who lived nearby.
How did Kristen feel about her family's communication and dynamics as she grew older?
Kristen felt that her family's communication was volatile, often escalating into fights, and she noticed tension at home, which made her feel different from her peers.
What event in elementary school had a significant impact on Kristen's sense of community and safety?
The Columbine High School shooting, which occurred when Kristen was in fourth grade, deeply affected her sense of safety and community, leaving her anxious and fearful.
Why did Kristen's parents send her to a school for troubled teens?
Kristen's parents sent her to a school for troubled teens because she was failing classes, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and her behavior was causing concern, leading her mother to believe she had bipolar disorder.
What was the turning point for Kristen at the school for troubled teens?
The turning point came when she was caught by the police after running away and was returned to the school, where the staff's genuine concern and care made her want to behave and complete the program.
How did Kristen's experience at the schools for troubled teens affect her sense of self?
Kristen felt completely lost and controlled, with her sense of self eroded by the constant labeling, medication, and abuse she endured at the schools, leaving her desperate to escape.
What role did Stevie play in Kristen's life after she returned home?
Stevie became a close friend who made Kristen feel seen, protected, and important, providing the sense of belonging and support she desperately needed after her traumatic experiences.
Why did Kristen decide to jump off the cliff during the camping trip?
Kristen decided to jump off the cliff because she wanted to prove to herself that she could overcome her fears and do something challenging, despite her grandmother's warning against it.
What happened to Stevie during the camping trip, and how did it impact Kristen?
Stevie drowned while trying to save Kristen from being trapped in the river's current. This event left Kristen feeling immense guilt and responsibility for his death.
How did Kristen's relationship with her grandmother influence her later life?
Kristen's grandmother provided unconditional love and belief in her, helping her rebuild her self-worth and see the beauty in life, which significantly influenced her journey toward healing and purpose.
What was the significance of Kristen visiting the closed school from her troubled teen years?
Visiting the closed school was a symbolic closure for Kristen, marking the end of that painful chapter in her life and reinforcing her belief that she could move forward with purpose.
How did Kristen's experience with Stevie's death shape her later beliefs about herself and her purpose?
Stevie's death taught Kristen the importance of making others feel important and the profound impact one decision can have on someone's life. It also motivated her to find purpose in her own life to honor his sacrifice.
- Childhood sexual abuse at age 3
- Family moves due to trauma and parental conflict
- Columbine High School shooting impact
- Mental health struggles and misdiagnosis
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