Adena M'lynn's Voice

Finding Closure Through Songs of the Past There’s something uniquely powerful about listening to songs from days long gone—the days when we were still struggling to find ourselves. The melodies and lyrics from those times speak to us even now, echoing a period when we weren’t quite sure who we were or where we were headed. And while we sang along to popular songs on the radio, rarely did we stop to understand why those tunes resonated so deeply within us. Today, looking back, those same songs provide an opportunity for reflection and a sense of closure. Music has always had a special way of capturing emotions we couldn’t fully articulate, and for many of us, it became the soundtrack to our journey of self-discovery. Whether it was a song about love, heartache, or rebellion, we felt drawn to these lyrics, often without knowing why. The raw emotions and energy of our youth spilled out through every note, but the meanings were often lost in the confusion of adolescence, insecurity, or p...

As a 63-year-old woman who has spent years of my life in both federal and state prisons, I've had plenty of time to reflect on the choices that led me to where I am today. For the longest time, I found myself trapped in a cycle of destructive behaviors, unable to comprehend the underlying reasons behind my actions. It was as if I were a puppet, controlled by invisible strings that I couldn't quite grasp. I have missing memories, and only learn of things I did from others. Little did I know that this journey learning my past would be both devastating and liberating. As I peeled back the layers of my experiences, I discovered painful truths that I had long buried. Childhood sexual trauma, unresolved conflicts, and a deep-seated unnamed fear had all played a role in shaping my decisions and behaviors. Facing these realities head-on is like staring into a shattered mirror, each fragment reflecting a different aspect of my shattered self. I began to understand that my experiences, n...