I Am a Fort Worth Mama: Leigh Ann Bryant

Although she was born a New Yorker, Leigh Ann Bryant became a Texan by the time she entered first grade. She’s hung her hat here ever since.

Leigh Ann has three sons and a husband (of 14 years!). She loves God, family, and travel. After working as a paramedic for six years, she earned her BSN in 1992, working in ER and dialysis care. She says, “I enjoy hanging out with my family, playing board games, watching a movie, or celebrating holidays and birthdays with extended family. I also love to travel–anywhere, whether it’s around the world or at a cozy bed and breakfast an hour away. [She’s been to 25 countries!] And then there is also reading and writing. I belong to the North Texas Christian Writers Group.”

Doesn’t she sound like the picturesque American mother?

Like so often is the case, Leigh Ann has more to her story: “My first husband was a gorgeous, charming man, who I believed would fulfill my desire to be loved, appreciated, accepted, and worthy. But he turned out to be abusive, controlling, angry, and violent. During one of his violent rages, I killed him in self-defense.”

In her book (released just this year), In My Defense: An Unlikely Romance, a Deadly Gunshot, and a Young Widow’s Road to Redemption, Leigh Ann shares the dangers of her relationship, her bravery to fight back, and the consequences she encountered (murder trials and prison as the tip of the iceberg) to be a voice for the numerous women suffering at the hands of their abusers. To learn more about Leigh Ann, visit her website. (You can watch a trailer for her book here.)

Since breaking free from the pain of her former life, Leigh Ann pours as much love and togetherness into the family she’s been given. She also strives to be an encouragement to abused women and hopes to shed more light on the nightmare of domestic abuse. Leigh Ann reaches out too to inmates through her work with Behind the Walls. She is a board member of Americans Ending Abuse.

Fort Worth Moms Blog is so appreciative she took time to answer our famous 5!

If we peeked in your purse right now, what would we find?

My new crocodile wallet I bought in Africa last month, as well as several other “souvenirs” from that trip, including boarding passes, receipts, West African CFA, and South African Rand . . . as well as lip balm, lipstick, pens, business cards, breath mints, gum, a bag of almonds, hand sanitizer, bits and pieces of trash. (I should really clean it out!) And some handy Off wipes and sunscreen packets, also left over from my African safari. My keys and cell phone are only in there when I’m out and about, but not at home.

Why do you call Cowtown home?

I mostly grew up here, moving to North Richland Hills the summer before first grade when my dad transferred with his government job. The biggest reason I have stayed is family. Almost all of my immediate family is here. But also, Fort Worth is an amazing city with friendly people and astounding diversity. The glitz of Bass Hall, the rugged rodeos, the nostalgic stockyards, the beautiful Sundance Square, and so much more. On top of all that, being a nurse, I really appreciate the fact that you can get topnotch care at several local hospitals.

What’s been the greatest joy of motherhood?

So many things! The unconditional love. Knowing nothing could ever separate our bonds. And the bliss of seeing excitement on their faces and hearing them truly giggle. There is just something about a giggle. It is a sign of pure enjoyment. I’m so very proud of each of my children for many different reasons. Another great wonder is seeing in their eyes when they finally get something—understand something new or learn a good lesson, especially something that will make them better men/husbands/dads. I also love introducing my family to the world. Taking them on exotic trips and having them learn about other cultures.

What’s been the greatest challenge of motherhood?

Letting go. Letting them become independent and make their own choices, especially when that leads to hard consequences for them. Although it also brings great joy, it is very hard to see your children grow up. To drive out of the driveway on their own the first time—or when they leave for college. When the girlfriend becomes more important than mom. But those things also bring pride. Probably then, the greatest challenge is when they are mad and say hurtful things or act in a disrespectful manner. But those times pass and reconciliation follows.

How do you hope your life influences and/or inspires other women?

If only I could end domestic violence. But the epidemic is too large, too wide, too far spread. I will settle on doing what I can to raise awareness. To bring knowledge and help others know they deserve better than abuse and bondage. To reduce the ignorance, shame, and condemnation toward the victims of abuse. I hope to inspire other women to live free and loved and full of joy. And that comes not only from not being abused, but through the freedom of the blood of Jesus Christ. And once free and unconditionally loved, to find meaning. Nothing has grown my faith more than volunteering in many ways, including missions, feeding the homeless, speaking in prisons and women’s shelters, and working with the youth and children of our church.

Fort Worth Favorites:

• Date night: While we prefer to spend time at home with a movie or board game, we occasionally venture out, especially when visitors arrive and we want to show them Fort Worth. We especially enjoyed a recent double date with my husband’s best friend and his wife to the Stockyards for shopping, watching the cattle drive, and dinner at Risky’s.
• Dessert: I’m not much of a dessert person, and being gluten free for medical reasons, there isn’t much I can enjoy. Sometimes I will just sneak a second helping of something I really loved as a dinner offering, such as potatoes or salad. I know, boring, right?
• Entertainment: As stated above, we tend to be “homebodies” mostly, except when we travel. Entertainment would be like the African safari we just went on. Or the Alaskan cruise. Or a family reunion (of more than 50) in the Colorado mountains. Or our trips to Thailand, China, Europe, or Mexico. Another favorite entertainment is watching my son compete as a gymnast. But we have been known to enjoy Bass Performance Hall, a walk around Sundance Square, or a “Polar Express” train ride at Christmastime.
• Shopping (clothing for you): I don’t shop much for myself, but I always found myself at Kohl’s when I did. Until recently, when my mother and sister turned me on to Chico’s. Their clearance racks have been especially fun to pick through!
• Relaxation: My favorite times of relaxation would have to include reading and writing. But when it comes to Fort Worth, much peace can be found at both the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Fort Worth Water Gardens.