ABILENE, TX — When you take a first look at Sonny Jr. Benivamondez, a drug addict might not come to mind.
Young and full of hope comes to mind after spending just a few minutes with Sonny.
It’s the power of my mom’s prayers”
It was a praying mom that brought this barber to the spot he’s at now in Abilene.
“I’ve done seen so many of my homeboy’s overdose and gone way too soon,” said Benivamondez.
Benivamondez played football for Loraine High School.
In many ways the all-American kid.
I was lost, making bad decisions, and lost my best friend”
His best friend died from a drug overdose. It was that moment when the Youngman’s life started spiraling out of control.
“That’s why it’s so important to watch out who you’re hanging out with,” said Benivamondez.
He was hanging on by a prayer. His mother would reach out to him and try to give him wisdom.
May 15th he knew it was time for a change.
“Never lose hope, God gives hope to the hopeless,” said Benivamondez.
Sonny says it’s his mother’s prayers that brought him this far.
Learning he was going to be a father rocked his world.
When he speaks about his 5-month-old daughter, his face lights up.
Sonny now has a 5-month-old child.
Now while cutting hair he shares his story and wisdom with others.
His clients are family now. He has no problem hugging and telling them they are loved.
Sonny cutting Cooper High School football players hair.
Cooper High School Football player listens as Benivamondez tells him to keep his grades up and to be a good influence on his brother.
“He teaches me about grace all the time.”
He also speaks to people currently in the same spot he was once in.
“Someone’s been through what I’ve been through they can relate,” said Benivamondez.
Now life is different and nearly a year clean.
“I’m off the streets, get away from all that,” Benivamondez said.
Sonny believes it’s the faith he has in God that brought him this far.
He’s now engaged to his girlfriend, Mallory — and they’re raising their daughter.
