Hi. My name is Mandy. I live in the quaint town of Glenn Lake.

I was born to a young mother who struggled to raise me in an unforgiving world, and when she finally broke, I had to take over my care and learn to survive.

Taking care of myself wasn’t all that hard. I found odd jobs and learned to cope, but then in my early teens, two innocent babies were added to the mix. While I instantly loved my siblings, my role changed from sister to mother, and my survival had to include them.

But one night, push came to shove, literally, and I had had enough. That is when my once small world got a whole lot bigger, and I took complete control.

This is my coming-of-age story, though many would argue I was born grown.

And, hi, I’m Jimmy. I play a part in telling Mandy’s story as well. The once young and timid girl has grown into a woman who can handle anything life throws at her, and it does. I’m here to cheer her on and give her a hand when needed. Anything to make her life a little easier. She has worked too hard to get here.

Join us in this first story from Glenn Lake.