When I first met Lynne Dean, I was at one of the lowest points of my life. I was addicted to heroin. In 2012, I gave birth to a son who was also addicted. My addiction had taken over my life. I was not allowed to take my son home from the hospital. I was unfit.

Unfortunately, this is how I met Lynne, the assistant Boyle County attorney in my case. After many failed drug tests and what seemed to be no real attempt to get clean, the court, alongside Lynne, decided my son needed to be removed permanently and placed into the care of my amazing mother. Lynne had made a decision for me that I could have never made for myself. I loved my son, but at that time, it would have been impossible for me to take care of him.

Lynne did what was best for me and my family.

This story gets better.

I went to the Isaiah House. I was saved by the grace of God, and today, I am clean and sober.

My mom was allowing my son to live with me again, but it wasn’t enough. I had tried everything I knew to get back into court so that I could prove that despite what I had done, I was ready to have custody returned. I had no idea how to get started. I was beginning to think that I would have to accept not having custody of my son. I was heartbroken.

In despair, I decided to reach out to Lynne —  although I thought this was a longshot. She had seen me at my worst; why would she give me a chance? I sent Lynne a message. I told her what was going on in my life and asked for guidance. But Lynne did much more. She told me to meet with her in person, and she would help me get started. Within a month I was back in court and with her guidance, able to prove that I was once again fit to be a mother. Lynne supported me from the beginning. She played a major role in the restoration of my family, and I am forever grateful for her.

Once again, Lynne did what was best for me and my family. Please join me in voting to keep Lynne Dean as Boyle County Attorney on Nov. 6, 2018.

Melissa Shannon-Howard

Perryville