Today’s HeArtwork Artist As Outlaw is someone I’ve watched rise from the valleys of her trauma. I met Lacy during my time as a social worker at Children’s Division. Lacy has always had a knack for words, both spoken and written. She shared her writings with me throughout her time in foster care and has continued to since leaving it. Her story is a powerful one of overcoming struggles, while also finding the lessons within them. It is with her permission that I share her story and HeArtwork.

My name is Lacy. I’m 19 years old. I’m married now, with no kids. Life is a lot different now than it has been for my whole life. As a young child growing up in foster care I had some fun times, but most of the times were hard. I felt alone a lot. It felt like no one understood my feelings or cared about me… like I was just a number or a case file.

I felt depressed often…but I also felt angry. I was sad from feeling so alone. And I was angry at the world for being alone in foster care. I missed my parents every day, but I was also angry with them for being the reason I was alone in the first place. This mix of feelings would define a huge part of my growing up.

Over the years, I was placed with several families and group homes. Over time I met several different people, kids like me, workers, and counselors. I found people liked to talk to me. Other kids in care would share their stories with me and ask for advice. Some workers and counselors encouraged me to try out for different opportunities and to share my gifts with others. I found people who brought me comfort and friendship. Over time these people became a new family for me.

The moment I stopped running from who I was and who I was meant to be, I found peace. Some people want to forget their time in care. They want to leave it behind them like it never happened. For me, some of the most important things that happened to me happened in care. It’s where I met many people who would become a big part of my life as an adult. People that still guide me today. The moment I let go of my anger and blaming of others for what happened to me as a child, I found peace. I found who I was inside. My trials aren’t a weakness; They are a strength.

I have so many stories that could crumble your heart into pieces. But I am an overcomer. I am a survivor. Now the only thing I want to do is help others overcome and survive. I want to be a beacon of light and hope that so many people need… like so many people were for me when I needed it.