Betrayal: Weekly - Episode 21: Audrey
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Hosted by Andrea Gunning

Introduction

In Episode 21 of Betrayal: Weekly, titled "Audrey", host Andrea Gunning delves deep into the harrowing story of Audrey Thompson—a tale of trust shattered by the very person she relied on most: her mother. This episode unravels Audrey's journey from a loving family life to a nightmare of betrayal and resilience.

Background: Audrey's Early Life

Audrey grew up in the small town of Tipton, Indiana, a community of about 5,000 residents. Describing her hometown in one word, Audrey said, "corn" (03:02). From a young age, Audrey was thrust into the world of beauty pageants, a passion ignited by her mother, who meticulously prepared her for each competition.

Audrey: "I have like 30 trophies of like first place and second place and then runner up and all that stuff." (03:29)

Despite her success, Audrey harbored no personal interest in pageants—they were merely her mother's dream.

Tragedy Strikes: The Accident

At the age of 12, Audrey faced a traumatic event when she was raped by an 18-year-old, resulting in pregnancy. The ordeal left her family shaming her, exacerbating her emotional pain.

Audrey: "I was blamed for what happened, and it got put on me that I did something wrong." (06:01)

Fast forward to her early 20s, Audrey battled with drug addiction, a coping mechanism for her tumultuous past. Her life took a hopeful turn when she met Zach, a charismatic and persuasive man who helped her overcome her addiction.

Audrey: "He was very calm and collected and confident, like he was a talker. He could talk you into anything." (06:36)

Their relationship blossomed quickly; they bought a house outright, providing a stable environment for Audrey's two children.

The Night of the Accident

On a fateful night in 2014, Audrey and Zach left for a date, leaving their children in the care of their respective mothers. While driving on Highway 26, Zach lost control of the vehicle, leading to a head-on collision with another minivan.

Audrey: "We hit head on with another minivan. I went through our windshield and went through theirs and I landed on their dash with my head." (15:43)

The accident left Audrey in critical condition. She spent five days in a medically induced coma, enduring 22 surgeries and battling severe internal injuries.

A Mother's Betrayal

While Audrey was incapacitated, her mother exploited her vulnerability. Authorized by power of attorney, Audrey's mother sold Audrey's house for a mere dollar, pocketing $67,000 in profit without Audrey's knowledge or consent.

Audrey: "All of this happened while I was in the middle of an intense physical recovery. I knew I was going to need a lot of help, but now I no longer had my home, my partner Zach, or custody of my kids." (38:00)

The betrayal didn't stop there. Audrey's mother also petitioned the courts for permanent guardianship of Audrey's children, ensuring that they remained in the custody of their grandmothers.

Audrey: "I feel in a way betrayed by everybody that has been in my life since this accident. They treated me like I died and they were just dividing my things up between them all." (34:19)

Struggle for Justice and Rebuilding

After enduring months in a nursing home and grappling with the loss of her home and custody of her children, Audrey fought tirelessly to reclaim her life. She sought legal assistance, but financial constraints and missed deadlines hampered her efforts.

Audrey: "I didn't know that I even had the power to change it. If I had known that, I could have cut her off a long time ago, I would have." (45:20)

Despite the odds, Audrey's determination saw her regain custody of her son in 2019. However, custody of her daughter remained elusive, leaving a lasting scar on her emotional well-being.

Audrey: "All the things that you strive to get in life, having a home and having kids and having that family, it just felt ripped out from under me that time. You can't get back. And when it's your daughter, some things to me are unforgivable." (51:58)

Healing Through Writing

In an effort to heal and document her experiences, Audrey authored a book titled "Rebuilt". This act of writing became a therapeutic process, allowing her to process the immense pain and betrayal she endured.

Audrey: "I want and need her to know the details of what happened. I want her to be able to read it for herself and to be able to come home, to be able to spend her days here with us where she should be." (54:18)

Conclusion: A Story of Resilience

Audrey's story is a poignant reminder of how trust can be exploited and how resilience can emerge from the depths of betrayal. Her journey underscores the necessity for better protection mechanisms, especially in vulnerable situations like hospitalizations, to prevent the misuse of power of attorney and ensure individuals retain control over their lives and assets.

Audrey: "I truly feel there needs to be a different form of protection in hospitals where people are signing papers that are signing their children over or their house over or any kind of assets when someone is injured." (54:58)

Key Takeaways

• Trust and Vulnerability: Audrey's story highlights the critical importance of safeguarding trust, especially when individuals are vulnerable.

• Legal Protections: There's a pressing need for enhanced legal protections to prevent the misuse of power of attorney and guardianship in similar situations.

• Resilience and Hope: Despite immense challenges, Audrey's determination to rebuild her life serves as an inspiration to many facing their own battles.

Notable Quotes

• Audrey on Her Mother’s Betrayal:
  "I feel in a way betrayed by everybody that has been in my life since this accident." (34:19)

• Audrey on Legal Struggles:
  "I didn't know that I even had the power to change it. If I had known that, I could have cut her off a long time ago, I would have." (45:20)

• Audrey on Healing Through Writing:
  "I want and need her to know the details of what happened. I want her to be able to read it for herself and to be able to come home, to be able to spend her days here with us where she should be." (54:18)

• Audrey on the Need for Protection:
  "I truly feel there needs to be a different form of protection in hospitals where people are signing papers that are signing their children over or their house over or any kind of assets when someone is injured." (54:58)

Final Thoughts

Betrayal: Weekly brings to light stories that resonate deeply with many listeners, and Audrey's episode is no exception. It serves as a compelling narrative on the fragility of trust and the strength of the human spirit to overcome unimaginable adversity.

Timestamp Reference

<a id="timestamp-0302"></a>[03:02]
<a id="timestamp-0329"></a>[03:29]
<a id="timestamp-0601"></a>[06:01]
<a id="timestamp-0636"></a>[06:36]
<a id="timestamp-1543"></a>[15:43]
<a id="timestamp-3800"></a>[38:00]
<a id="timestamp-3419"></a>[34:19]
<a id="timestamp-4520"></a>[45:20]
<a id="timestamp-5158"></a>[51:58]
<a id="timestamp-5418"></a>[54:18]
<a id="timestamp-5458"></a>[54:58]