Gary Spaulding, Senior Staff ReporterTwo years ago, all hope seemed lost for the slender-framed child, just venturing into her teens. She was an authentic 'Diamond in the rough'.
With May being Child Month, Diamond, as she is called by family and community members, has demonstrated that recovery from any circumstance is achievable, with the appropriate will, attitude and fortitude.
Diamond was raised in a tough western Kingston neighbourhood. Growing up, she opted for the path of disobedience and impudence as she struggled long and hard to survive in a rough, poverty-stricken community.
"I usually disobey my mother, follow bad company, come home late at nights, and did just about everything that was bad," she told Outlook. "But that is all in the past now. I am better and I intend to stay that way," she vowed.
For about four years, the little girl careened recklessly from one pickle to another when her troubled young life suddenly caught up with her. She was snatched by the police when she got involved with a group of rowdy young men who attempted to sexually assault a group of girls.
Diamond was shunted off to a place of safety. Ironically, it was the Diamond Crest Juvenile Correctional Centre, located in Alligator Pond, Manchester.
There, she gradually yielded to the hands of trained specialists at the facility.
After spending three years away from home, Diamond has demonstrated that transformations are possible for disturbed youth.
By all indications, Diamond - bolstered by the guidance of her caregivers - has firmly closed the door on her tumultuous past.
When she returned home during Christmas of 2012, the positive signs surfaced like a gift to her loved ones. Her caregivers can celebrate that, at 15 years old, their little 'Diamond in the rough' has begun to re-emerge as a gem.
Skirts, swimsuits and headwear run the gamut of the femalewear crafted by Diamond's crochet needles. They were proudly displayed when Outlook visited her home recently. The creations reflect the skills she learned at Diamond Crest.Diamond's mother Juliet is no stranger to tragedy and misfortune. It took her years to recover after she lost two children in a fire. Juliette told Outlook that, for once, she believes she has something to live for. She now walks with her head held high and a new lease on life. Mother and daughter now go everywhere hand in hand. "I feel very good, she is really doing something with her life and she is studying," said Juliet of her last child. "I like how she has changed as she was going on bad. I see where she has turned around. I thank and I bless her for that. I just love how she improving with the embroidering thing," she added.