I truly believe that angels aren’t just what we pray for, the good souls that float around to protect us. I
believe they are also a good being, here on earth, to lead by example, and for those who have no voice. I
also believe that God may provide us one soul, sometimes, to make good with that example. For their
memory.
For the month of July, Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence organization, had their fundraiser for
Run for Her, which is people from all over, getting together to run, walk, bike, or row, 100miles each to
bring awareness. I had decided to ask my friends from all over (AR, CA, TX, MI), if they would like to join
the quest with me, and over the month, we pooled all our miles. Little did we know that all 18 of us
would do more than 1,000miles for a cause that supports, those who have lost their lives to DV, are
enduring DV, and those who are survivors.
One of the team members, Michelle, the GM of Row House (College Station) put her efforts in, for her
friend, Holly, that lost her life to a DV situation on July, 8 th , 2024 (her best friend, Crystal, found her in
her deceased in her home). Since that day, Crystal, along with many others, have made it their mission
to see justice for Holly. According to her best friends, Holly was bold, opinionated, and stubborn.
However, she was also strong, compassionate, hilarious, generous, and loving. The kind of person you
wanted to be around, and the kind of person who leaves an impression on your heart.
While talking to Michelle, she explained, “When I was asked to participate in #Run4Her, I said, “yes”
because the answer is always YES. More importantly, some very special people in my life have
experienced trauma that I cannot even imagine. So, when I started this journey on July 1, I didn’t know I
would be rowing, running, and riding for Holly.” She then went on to say, “I knew Holly in a different
time and different place…high school. We played basketball together where she was a fierce
competitor and a spark of encouragement to the entire team. As the story of her death continued to
unfold throughout the month, I became more determined to reach a significant goal. Something that
would be memorable for her memory.” So here this GM, a coach, a friend, a wife, a mother and
grandmother, rowed, biked, and ran, for Holly throughout the month.
Initially Michelle’s 300miles was for nothing more than her personal goals. In the end, she made those
final 5miles, in honor her friend Holly, and the rest of the victims of Domestic Violence; miles they won’t
get to achieve. Now that’s one of a kind and the example of what any true friend would do. A one of a
kind you want to be a part of, and we all were without knowing that we, in fact, did for “her” too.
While not everyone involved in DV support, has a friend who doesn’t survive, more than likely they
know someone who has been through Domestic Violence. At that point, fundraisers like Run 4 Her
become a support group, pieced off into people who show their strength individually for each of those
lost and those suffering. Not only to make it an awareness, but also to preserve a memory.
She, Coach Michelle, is one of my biggest inspirations. She reminds me that, I am capable, no matter
what I’ve been through, while she also ensures me that, as a DV survivor, I’m ok now, and that I have a
consistent support in her, among all the others she’s inspired.
Most get unique people in their life, after having, “called all angels”, you might get one of the best like
BTSADV Run 4 Her community did, and the Row community has. By Alexis B
A Child’s Clarity: How My Daughter Helped Me Escape Abuse and Find Healing
Through the unclouded eyes of a child, my daughter saw the truth about him long before I did. She saw right through his carefully constructed facade, recognizing the cruelty and manipulation he expertly wielded. Despite her warnings I remained blind, clinging to the desperate hope that things would change. It...
