Sometimes life gives us challenges that seem impossible to overcome. However, as the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” This is exactly what Cara Brookins did when she found herself trapped in an abusive marriage. Determined to protect her five children and create a safe environment, she took the bold step of leaving her husband and building a new life from scratch.
Cara’s story is nothing short of incredible. Faced with the difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship, Cara decided to build a home for her family. But not just any home—she built it herself. With no prior construction experience, Cara became her own contractor, drawing up the plans, watching YouTube tutorials, and learning everything from laying a foundation to running plumbing lines.
A New Beginning: Building a Home from Scratch
In 2007, when Cara began her ambitious project, she was a computer programmer analyst and could not afford to buy a home that would suit her family. That’s when the idea to build her own house emerged. “It felt like, ‘If anyone were in our situation, they would do this,’” Cara explained. While others might have thought her plan was crazy, Cara remained focused, determined that this was the only way to give her children the life they deserved.
She bought a one-acre piece of land for just $20,000 and secured a construction loan of $150,000. It was a huge leap of faith, but Cara was committed. Her kids, ranging from 2 to 17 years old, got involved every step of the way. Her son, Drew, helped with the creation of the construction plans, while her 11-year-old daughter, Jada, transported water from a neighbor’s pond to mix with concrete for the foundation. The children worked hard after school, making this an all-hands-on-deck project.
For the more challenging tasks, Cara hired a part-time firefighter with building experience to assist for $25 an hour. With his help, they moved forward with the construction, making progress every day.
A Dream Realized
On March 31, 2009, the Brookins family moved into their new home, Inkwell Manor, which was named after Cara’s dream of becoming a writer. While the idea of building their own house was initially something Cara felt embarrassed about, it turned out to be the best decision she ever made. The family’s journey not only provided them with a physical shelter but also created a sense of accomplishment, healing, and togetherness.
“If I, a 110-pound computer programmer, can build an entire house,” Cara said, “you can do anything you set your mind to.”
Her message is one of resilience and determination. She encourages others to set their sights on a single goal and take small steps towards it, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. “Decide on a single aim and stick to it,” Cara advises. “Find that large thing you want to do, take tiny steps toward it, and bring along others who need to heal with you on the journey. There’s a lot of power in that.”
The Power of Perseverance
Cara Brookins’ story is a remarkable testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of a mother’s love for her children. What started as a desperate attempt to escape an abusive marriage turned into a life-changing journey of self-reliance and determination. Her story proves that no matter the circumstances, we all have the power to take control of our destiny and make a better future for ourselves and those we love.
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