What does healing look like when you're trying to rebuild a life from scratch?
In this episode, Autumn Starr Canterbury shares the remarkable chapter of her life when, at just 16 years old, she began working in a nursing home—finding unexpected love and acceptance from the elderly residents who became like grandparents to her. While juggling her job, she walked to night classes in hopes of earning her GED, even though she was painfully behind in her education and unsure where to begin.
Amid the chaos, Autumn took a leap of hope and searched for her mother’s brother—an uncle she hadn’t seen in years. When she found him, everything changed. He and his family drove from Colorado to Albuquerque, wrapped her in love, and brought her home. They flooded her with care and tried to help her heal, even though they didn’t speak about the trauma she’d endured.
Back in school again, Autumn faced the daunting task of catching up—but the gaps were too deep, and the system had already failed her. Eventually, she dropped out, not from lack of trying, but from years of survival that left little room for traditional education.
This is a powerful story of effort, connection, and the kind of love that shows up just in time—even when the past remains unspoken.
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