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Kari Kjønaas Kjos is known as the intrepid FRP politician who stands up for the weakest in society. Now consider where the commitment comes from.
Kari herself has felt the sense of hopelessness.
A special promise
That was the reason why Kari made a promise to a street junkie that would change their lives.
Sumo
A promise to a stranger
Look now
Kari welcomed Angelica into her life eight years ago and helped her get rid of drug abuse. Now Angélica has a good life with work and family.
The two told the strong story on the TV 2 program “Our Little Country” in 2019.
I know the episode «A promise to a stranger»
The response was absolutely overwhelming.
– People stopped us on the street and we received thousands of text messages, emails and messages, says Kari.
Many of those who made contact also wondered what it was that made Kari spontaneously commit to helping a stranger out of a desperate situation.
Angelica and Kari. Photo: Frank Melhus / TV 2
Angelica has also wondered about this many times. Only now does Kari talk about her own background and why she reacted when she met Angelica.
– What I remember very well are those eyes, and that I asked Angelica “Don’t you want to live?” And then she replied “Yes, I really want to live, but I can’t bear it.” Those were the trigger words, says Kari.
Kari’s dark secret
For Kari, those words brought her back to her own youth. Then she herself felt a despair that made her not want to live anymore.
OUTSIDE. Kari wasn’t comfortable in the youth gang and was desperate. Photo: Private.
– “OMG. Now I have to do something. Because I understand it.”
For the first time, Kari tells the audience how desperate she was herself as a youngster on the show series “Our Little Country – The Story Continues.”
Unlike Angelica, Kari grew up in a safe, nurturing home with parents who wished her the best.
Even so, life was difficult. Kari struggled to make real friends and fit in. He felt outside and slid slowly into the darkness.
– I remember thinking of him as a black hole, which I was dragged further and further down, says Kari.
For two months she picked up pills, without the people around her knowing anything.
– I do not remember what day I chose, or why exactly that day was. At least I did everything as usual at night. I brushed my teeth and said good night, all the pills got cold and I fell asleep. I did not write a resignation letter because I had no explanation to give.
– The next morning my mother stood up and shook me and said, “It hardly gives me life.” Then I remember thinking, ‘It was a shame you brought me to life. That was not my plan.
Watch Kari Kjønaas Kjos tell in “Our Little Country – The Story Continues” in the video window at the top.
– We must dare to talk about it
Angélica is convinced that Kari’s openness can make a difference for others. That is why he encouraged her to tell the story.
Facts: Do you need someone to talk to?
- Mental Health Helpline: 116123 (open 24 hours), sidetmedord.no
- Kirkens SOS: 22 40 00 40 (open 24 hours), soschat.no
- Cross on Halsen chat service
- Leve National Association for Survivors of Suicide: Accepts inquiries by email: [email protected] or by phone 22 36 17 00 (weekdays 9-15)
– I think it is brave of you to dare to speak about it, to put it into words. Because I myself know how painful it is.
Kari has an urgent prayer for those who are going through difficult times.
Remember that no matter how black life may be, it can take a complete turn and be very, very good. Try to think, “It can be good. It can be good. Tell yourself. And ask for help.
ONE: Meeting Kari changed Angelica’s life. For Kari, it was Per, who later became her husband, who became the ransom. Photo: Frank Melhus / TV 2
