32. Collateral Damage: The Impact of the Kidnapping on Our Families (Part 2)

In this Soul Wide Open podcast episode, host Michelle Renee explores the profound impact of open communication and vulnerability on healing relationships, particularly in the context of trauma and family dynamics. She is joined by one of her daughter's kidnappers, Robert Ortiz,  for this surprising, unfiltered look into accountability, amends, and a deep dive into uncommon compassion. Their discussions highlight several key aspects that underscore the necessity of these elements in fostering understanding and reconciliation. One of the most poignant moments in the episode occurs when Michelle reflects on their shared backgrounds and experiences of trauma. She emphasizes that, despite their different paths, they have more in common than initially perceived. This acknowledgment of shared experiences creates a foundation for empathy and understanding, which is crucial for healing relationships. By openly communicating their stories, they bridge the gap between their individual experiences and foster a sense of deep human connection. The part two of two series episode includes Robert's sister, Lorena, and underscores the theme of empathy and the profound impact on families on both sides of criminal violent behavior and incarceration.  They excavate similarities that exist among individuals, urging listeners to recognize the common threads that unite us all, which leads to greater healing and transformation. Tune in for a moving exploration of resilience, understanding, forgiveness, and the power of uncommon compassion. Conversation Highlights: 01:08 - Hostage Experience and Misunderstandings 03:07 - Family Dynamics and Emotional Struggles 04:46 - FBI Involvement and Family Reactions 06:32 - Struggles with Believing the Crime 07:08 - Courtroom Anger and Misjudgments 09:55 - Impact on Family and Personal Life 11:00 - Ripple Effects of Violent Crime on Families 12:03 - Victim Offender Dialogue Program 15:02 - Writing and Receiving the Letter 17:01 - Profound Impact of Mother's Words 18:59 - Humanity and Forgiveness 20:06 - Divine Inner Voice and Redemption 23:30 - Epic Amends and Vulnerability 26:56 - Family Healing and Reconciliation 32:01 - Life Lessons and Warnings 35:51 - Radical Forgiveness and Honesty 37:05 - Posture of Embrace and Openness 38:58 - Spiritual Groups and San Quentin 41:35 - Gratitude and Final Thoughts Quotes: "Did you ever feel, he abandoned you for the streets, for this other, now what had become his new family?" "When you do wrong, tough lady, you take accountability because all you have is your word." "We're rich in the way that matters is what I say. We're rich in every way that matters the most." "To see the guy who victimized someone's daughter and having my mom meet that mother, there's no word for that." "You could not make that moment up in a million years." "It was just sprinkled with divine dust from start to finish all the way up until right now." "Because we've chosen to focus on the light and not the dark, on love and not hate." "If you're going to keep picking that shovel up, you're going to be far underground, man." "If I don't help these kids in my lived experience, so they don't go through what I went through, then our future's gonna be doomed." "Don't give up on yourself. Don't give up on the dream. Don't give up on what you believe you are being called to do." "Don't give time to the people, places, and things that don't deserve it." "We hope this touches you in a way that makes you understand what it truly, truly means to live your life with your soul wide open, no matter what you have survived." Stay Connected: Don't miss out on more inspiring conversations and stories on the Soul Wide Open podcast. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of healing, growth, and living with your soul wide open. Connect with Michelle: My Website https://michelle-renee.com Instagram:   / _michellerenee_   TikTok   / themichellerenee   VERB Media Group https://verbmediagroup.com/ Connect with Robert: Freedom 4 Youth [email protected] Useful Resources: Order my #1 Best -Selling Memoir Nine Days on Amazon https://amzn.to/4acIkt1 Soul Wide Open Podcast On Spotify https://spoti.fi/49lrveA Join the Soul Wide Open FB Group   / soulwideopen