Karri Kegg’s address
Boozhoo everyone. Zhaawanigiizhigookwe indizhinikaaz. My name is Karri Kegg December 3 was such a huge day for me! That's the day I have officially graduated from the Healing to Wellness program. Saying those words out loud felt great. That day I was full of different kinds of emotions because this accomplishment is something I fought for with every piece of me.
This journey hasn't been easy. There were days I wasn't sure I would ever stand in this place, but I kept showing up. There were nights where I questioned if I was strong enough. But I kept fighting. There were moments where I had to face parts of myself, I didn't want to see. But I kept choosing healing. Even on the days it felt heavy. I am so grateful for all the steps I took to get here, even the most painful ones. Because it helped me pave my own path.
To everyone who was involved in the Healing to Wellness team, thank you. Thank you for not giving up on me. Even when I stumbled, you pushed me to get up. You didn't just hold me accountable, you helped me grow. You showed me that healing isn't about perfection, it's about showing up, being honest and choosing myself.
I especially want to Thank Kerri Johnson. You have been there since the beginning. Thank you for believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. You held me accountable, but you also lifted me up. You gave me tools, support and hope. Thank for all the phone calls you made after our not so good court hearings, that made all the difference. You helped me in more ways I can thank you for.
To Emma Rodriguez, who supported me since the beginning. Thank for standing by me while I worked to become the mom my children deserve. Thank you for all your advice and talks. When I walked into the court rooms by myself, you were my first supporter. Having you behind me felt like an army behind me, and that was enough to keep me fighting. Your encouragement, love and support helped carry me through some of my hardest moments. I will forever be grateful for your guidance.
To my kids — my six beautiful, strong, patient kids. You are the reason I never gave up. Every challenge. Every lesson. Every moment I pushed myself, was all for our family. Losing you, even temporarily, broke me. But fighting to heal so I could be the mom you deserve, that rebuilt me. Getting custody back isn't just paperwork. Its my second chance to love you the way l've always wanted to. This is our fresh start. And I promise to protect it with everything have.
And lastly, I want to thank myself. I want to honor the growth I've made this past year. I am clean. I am stronger. I am healthier. I am more grounded. I learned my worth again. And I am walking into this next chapter of my life full of gratitude, humility and so much hope. I found my voice and my direction. I am proud of the woman I've become. I am proud of the strength I didn't know I had. I survived things that once felt impossible. I rebuilt my life piece by piece.
This graduation is a reminder that healing is possible. And that it's never too late to choose a better path.
Miigwech.
