Secret Lives of Women Tuesdays at 10pm|9c

Cassondre, 47, of McKenney, VA


I am currently working full time, attending college part-time, and raising one of my grandsons. I also assist other family members with care. The most important thing that I do is serve God. My secret? Well, my son took someone's life while trying to protect and save his and my nephew's life. Since the morning of May 11, 2008 (Mother's Day) my life has been an emotional roller coaster. I am sad, depressed, anxious, angry, disappointed, and mainly scared. I do not know what or how to plan things. Always in and out of court, meeting lawyers, having to answer questions about this situation; I force myself to go to work most days, always wondering what other people are saying about me and my son. I am still able to travel and live life. Everybody knows about my secret. Before it made the news, I went to a family member's house and told them personally. As others heard about it, I talked to them. For the most part, I have a lot of support - my family is my biggest support. They are behind me in every way possible - an ear to hear when I need to talk, financially - when I had to get a lawyer, and to bond my son out. Along with family support, my church and the community assisted me. And everyone is still doing a great deal in support of me and my family. But, there were some family members and others who questioned why I was standing by my son. People asked why he had a gun. When is he going to learn that my nephew is nothing but trouble? Everybody has advice, some good, some bad, and some just have their opinions. A little bit more about me - well before this happened I was a happy go lucky person, always looking for someone to help. Very family oriented, still am somewhat. Now, on a daily basis I work at night, do things for people, plan outings with my grandson. I also like to be alone, to think, study the word, watch and listen to the word. Most importantly, I live day to day, and knowing that each day is a new day and that it is the day that the Lord has made, I just rejoice in it.