My name is Dana Laastad Puente. I was blessed with two parents who have had many trials, but have loved one another and stayed together. I was blessed with four siblings one that is with our heavenly father. I was blessed with a husband that loves the Lord and takes care of our family. We have been blessed with four wonderful children. I was also blessed with depression.
You may ask why I say I was blessed with depression. Well, because I know that every episode I go through and every trial I go through, God is there with me and that he teaches me. It is by his grace that I manage it. Both of my parents suffer from depression. I grew up with it. My father attempted suicide several times because of it. Thankfully, he never succeeded. When I was younger, things were different. I would always look at things in a negative way. This made the depression worse. I was blessed with family that lead me in a different direction. My mother-in-law told me I should look at things positively. That I should see the good in things. That I should not be down all the time. If not for me, for my kids. They saw me down all the time, and they were doing the same thing. I did not want my kids to go down the same path I had gone. I want them to be joyful and see that not everyone/everything is against them. I want them to remember that I had a good attitude and had a possible look on things. I want them to see God through me. I have to be honest, I still struggle everyday. Some days go better than others. I get frustrated easily and some days I can handle anything thrown my way. I feel like I am on a roller coaster. I have my ups and downs. What keeps me grounded is my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ!
