One more step and we have a law!

Sorry I have been MIA for so long but life went and got busy on me :) Anyway, good news, actually GREAT news! It appears that our bill, HB2361 is reaching the finish line and should be signed by Governor McDonnell hopefully next week. This has definitely been a learning experience and a very interesting journey and I've enjoyed every moment of it.

It was empowering to speak before the house especially for someone like myself who still struggles with self confidence. Being in an abusive relationship can destroy a person and at one point "Brandy Charles" was destroyed... But thank God "Brandy Bond" is back and stronger than ever! Speaking of... My transformation is complete! Last week I received my social security card with the name "Brandy Mariah Bond" printed on it. To some that might sound insignificant, but when your stripped of your identity by an abusive spouse, it feels great to rid yourself of the last name attached to the pain and become who you were before the abusive marriage.

Please keep your eye out for the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT... :)

Making progress in the General Assembly

Yesterday evening my partner, Karl Hindle and I testified before the Courts of Justice house committee in regards to our proposed bill HB 2361. It was very intimidating at first and the meeting room had a "courtroom feel" to it. Standing at the podium my left leg began to have a nervous quiver like Thumper from the movie Bambi. However I gained my composure and pressed on.

Karl's speech was right on, as usual. I felt that the committee responded well to us and I feel very optimistic about the fate of our bill. I met Delegate McClellan and as I envisioned, she was very pleasant and I admire her for what she does.

This journey has been very empowering for me. In an email this past October my children's father made the smug comment, " You think you can change laws!" Well with the way things are looking, I might be able to do just that!