They say that if life hands you lemons, make lemonade. We all know that this is easier said than done, yet nothing is truly impossible if we set our minds to something and put in a lot of effort to achieve it.

Cara Brookins found herself trapped in a violent marriage. As a mother of five, she knew she had to protect her children from the toxic environment they were living in. With no other viable options, Cara made a brave decision: she left her abusive husband, took her kids, and set out to start over.

Cara, a computer programmer analyst, came up with an unconventional yet powerful solution to their housing problem. Unable to afford a house large enough for her family, she decided to build one herself. How did she do it? By creating her own construction blueprints and watching YouTube videos on building techniques, from laying a foundation to installing plumbing.

In 2007, Cara borrowed about $150,000 for construction and paid $20,000 for an acre of land. With her children by her side, they embarked on the daunting task of building their new home from the ground up.

Her children played a crucial role in the construction process. The eldest was only seventeen, and the youngest was just two years old. Despite their young ages, they all pitched in. For instance, her 11-year-old daughter Jada carried water from a neighbor’s pond since there was no running water on the property, while her son Drew helped create the construction plans.

 

The family faced numerous challenges, but they tackled each one head-on. Cara hired a part-time firefighter with building experience to help with the most difficult tasks, paying him $25 per hour. He provided the knowledge and guidance they needed to progress.

The physical demands of construction were immense. Cara, weighing only 110 pounds, often found herself exhausted, but her determination never wavered. The emotional strain of leaving an abusive relationship and building a new life from scratch was also significant, but the support and involvement of her children kept her going.

After years of hard work, the family finally moved into their 3,500-square-foot home, Inkwell Manor, on March 31, 2009. The name Inkwell Manor symbolized Cara’s dream of becoming a writer, a dream she nurtured alongside building the house.

Cara looks back on their journey with a mix of pride and humility. “We felt ashamed that the only option available to us was to construct our own shelter,” she remarked. “We weren’t particularly proud of it, but it ended up being the best thing I could have done for myself.”

 

Cara’s story is a powerful testament to human resilience and determination. “Anything is possible for you if I, a 110-pound computer programmer, can build a whole house,” she declared. Her journey from domestic abuse to self-sufficiency is nothing short of inspirational.

She encourages others to set big goals and pursue them relentlessly. “Select one goal and stick to it. Choose a big project you’ve always wanted to do, start small, and take the others who also need to recover with you. That has a great deal of power,” she advised.

Cara’s story has inspired thousands of people around the world. Her book, “Rise: How a House Built a Family,” details her journey and has become a beacon of hope for many who are facing similar struggles.

Her incredible journey has garnered significant media attention, leading to interviews and features that highlight her resilience and ingenuity. Cara has become a symbol of strength and perseverance, showing that with determination and effort, it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Cara Brookins’ story is one of courage, resilience, and the unyielding power of a determined spirit. Her journey from a violent marriage to building a dream home for her family with her own hands is truly inspiring. It reminds us that no matter how impossible a situation may seem, with the right mindset and unwavering effort, we can overcome adversity and build a better future. If Cara’s story inspires you as much as it does us, please share this amazing tale with your loved ones and spread the message of hope and determination.