Little Guardians stories

07/31/2025

 I don't remember when I first heard about the Guardians, but I know I heard of it through my Oma and officially became a little Guardian in June of 2022.  When I had my first meeting with the Guardians, I was very anxious and closed off. I felt scared but I wanted to tentatively reach out a finger and receive that support I desperately needed. That decision to accept that help was one of the best choices I’ve made. I didn't know what to expect and I was scared to be an outlier in everything but those fears were needless. Being part of this group was such a big milestone for me and it showed me that I'm not alone and that there's even many people who've gone through the things that I have.

 In June of 2022, when I officially got adopted, It was very nerve wracking seeing so many guardians show up. It also made me realize though, that there's so many people that care and want to support me. It was also my first taste of getting to ride a motorcycle, and riding a motorcycle brought out another part of me that I forgot about. It brought out some of that pure joy and happiness of getting to just feel free instead of weighed down by all of my anxiety and depression. Every time I received news that there was a new event, I always felt my heart bubble in excitement and joy of getting to see everybody again and be part of something so amazing.

 About seven months later, after having become a little guardian, the day of the sentencing of my perpetrator arrived. I was very frazzled and my nerves had skyrocketed, But upon walking into the courthouse, I saw the Guardians. In that moment, it made me really feel and realize why this group was called Guardians of the Children. I was still scared, don't get me wrong, but I felt this sense of relief and safety realizing there were so many people here to help me through this challenge. With how bad my anxiety was, I was trying not to have a panic attack, So I went to a hallway on the side, waiting for the sentencing, and the Guardians even stood in front of the hall, creating a human wall. It's one thing to feel safe mentally, and another to feel safe physically. But that's just what they did, with all of this support before everything, I even had the courage to go up in front of this courtroom, and share my story and how it impacted me. I remember feeling dazed after sharing my statement, and everything felt surreal. After walking out of those doors though and even having the officer there pat my shoulder and commend me on my courage, I felt this huge sense of just weight lifting and frankly I wanted to cry. So that's what I did, I sobbed and hugged my mom, feeling like a child again. That's okay though, because I didn't get to feel like a child when I was younger, so even getting to express my emotions like this again made me realize that I've been freed in a way I didn't think I would be.

 Turning 18 was such a huge milestone for me, not just in the sense of becoming an adult, but also because I didn't think I would make it that far. I suffered with really bad mental health, and even thought about leaving this earth. I didn't though, and a big reason why is thanks to the guardians. They were that rock and that anchor to hold me here, and I'm glad they did. There are so many more things that I've realized I can look forward to, and I realized life isn't as bad as it felt back then. Having to leave the Guardians as a little guardian really hurt and I'm pretty sure I shed a few tears during my last ride… but I'm grateful for everything they've done and when I have the chance, I plan to join back as an honorary member and pass along that support, care, and love that others may need. I want them to know it's not the end, that there's still so much in the future to look forward to, and that they're not alone.

After all of this, there are words that come from the bottom of my heart that I want to express.

Thank you.

You have saved my life, and I'm sure you have saved many more and will definitely save more. Thank you.

• Fang/River