Nena is a true example of a Homegirl who took control of her life. For years, she was deeply in love with her man, Tony (Tonto). Back when they were teenagers, his troubles didn’t seem too bad. He’d get into trouble stealing cars, selling a little mota, or fighting. He’d do some time in Juvenile Hall, promise to change, and then fall back into the same habits. Once he turned 18, things got more serious, with the legal system treating him as an adult. Eventually, he ended up in County Jail, and later, a long sentence in the big house.     Nena waited for him, raising their three kids while living on welfare. She stayed home, true to him, with no social life or time for herself. Every visit to see him in jail was heartbreaking. He’d scream at her, blaming her for everything, even accusing her of cheating and neglecting the kids. But she kept waiting, believing that he'd change.    When Tonto finally got out, Nena threw him a big welcome home party, but Tonto never showed up on time. He was with some of his old, felonious friends, getting into trouble, violating his parole. He showed up drunk and started a scene, even hitting Nena in front of the Homies. Big Loco stepped in to handle it, but the damage was done. The next day, the police raided their place and arrested Tonto for involvement in a robbery and shooting. He was sentenced to another ten years.    Once again, Nena was left to raise the kids on her own. But Big Loco told her she didn’t need to live like that and encouraged her to take charge. With the support of her family and the Homies, she enrolled in a government-funded nursing program. It wasn’t easy, but with hard work, she completed it. She divorced Tonto, moved into her own apartment, and got off welfare. Her kids were doing better in school, and most importantly, Nena had gained something she’d never had before: self-esteem and independence.    Now Nurse Nena is a strong, independent woman. What a Ruca!