Woodpeckers Prefer Dead Trees: A Powerful Journey of Healing
Facing the Shadows
Madeline McLeod’s “Woodpeckers Prefer Dead Trees” isn’t your ordinary memoir. It’s raw, emotional, and painfully honest—a vivid exploration of one woman’s battle with domestic abuse and the courage it took to finally break free. Through Madeline’s eyes, readers journey through her darkest moments, experiencing firsthand the isolation and despair that abuse often fosters. Yet amid the darkness, there’s a persistent glimmer of hope, driving her to reconnect and rediscover her inner strength.
Madeline grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, eventually relocating south to Alabama. Life, however, wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Living through domestic violence took its toll, leaving deep emotional scars that she found incredibly hard to revisit—even on paper. It’s why this “tiny book,” as she humbly calls it, took nearly four years to complete. Every word required strength she wasn’t always sure she had.
Finding Strength Through Family
Central to Madeline’s recovery was the transformative power of family. For Madeline, family wasn’t just important—it was everything. The bonds she shared with her loved ones proved invaluable, offering unwavering support when she most needed it. At her lowest point, Madeline realized that surrendering—fully allowing her family to step in, love her, and lift her up—was her path to healing.
It’s a powerful message for anyone struggling with trauma or despair: embracing the love of those around you can ignite a powerful change. Madeline’s experience underlines the profound impact of accepting help, illustrating that healing often comes through vulnerability and openness.
Today, Madeline enjoys a thriving life in Alabama alongside the father of her 14-year-old son, enveloped in a support network she’s deeply grateful for. Without their help, she candidly admits, she wouldn’t be where she is today—pursuing her dreams and standing tall.
Pursuing Dreams Amid Healing
Even while grappling with trauma, Madeline refused to let her past define her future. She currently serves as a traveling manager for Goodwill, balancing her professional responsibilities with the demands of motherhood and her ongoing education in industrial psychology. With aspirations to achieve her PhD, Madeline embodies the spirit of resilience, turning pain into purpose, struggle into strength.
Writing “Woodpeckers Prefer Dead Trees” wasn’t easy. Revisiting trauma forced Madeline to confront painful memories repeatedly. Yet through persistence and courage, she crafted a narrative filled with hope, resilience, and genuine humanity. Madeline’s story illustrates that trauma, though profoundly challenging, doesn’t have to stifle dreams or ambitions. Instead, it can become the very catalyst for growth and self-discovery.
A Message of Love and Resilience
Ultimately, Madeline’s journey is one of profound self-discovery and healing. Through the act of writing and reconnecting with her family, she found clarity and peace, reshaping her identity far beyond the shadows of her past. Her heartfelt advice to readers is simple yet profound: keep your family close, let them love you, and healing will follow.
“Woodpeckers Prefer Dead Trees” serves as a powerful reminder of the strength embedded within each of us. Madeline’s vulnerability and honesty will inspire anyone who picks up this poignant narrative, teaching them that healing isn’t linear—but it’s always possible. Love, family, and resilience remain central themes throughout her journey, resonating deeply with those who have endured similar struggles.
In a world often clouded by despair, Madeline McLeod’s story is a beacon of hope. It proves that even in our darkest moments, there’s an opportunity to rise, to heal, and to reclaim the life we deserve.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today!
Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is Madeline, everyone calls me Madi, and my dad calls me Matt. I am currently a traveling manager for Goodwill while I finish my schooling.
Please tell us about your story/journey.
My journey is a long one; it doesn’t start with just this story. Perhaps that will be the next book, but as far as this one goes, this journey was one of coming home. I needed to come home to heal. No, this journey was the scariest, darkest part of my life. It took me almost 4 years to write this tiny book. It was just so hard to keep coming back to that moment in my life.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The only strategy I had for success on this journey was to just give up completely and let my family help me. Let them love me. In their love, I was healed.
Any message for our readers
If I can send any message to readers, it is this: love your family and keep them close. They will heal you.
Thank you so much, Madeline, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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