February 14, 2024

Story Behind The Song: “I’ve Earned My Wings”

Stories and Songs from our Music Therapy Retreats

Previously called Music Therapy of the Rockies, Music Therapy Retreats delivers evidence-based music therapy to support veterans and individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We host music therapy retreats at no cost, providing participants with the tools to achieve mental wellness through music. Our retreats incorporate goal setting, mindfulness, professional songwriting experiences, and adapted guitar instruction.

This approach helps participants recognize triggers, develop self-regulation skills, and reframe their experiences.

As part of the Retreat, each veteran is given a new Breedlove Guitar to help them work on both physiological and psychological skills through music.

About Stephanie Gaviria and “I’ve Earned My Wings

I got married and joined the military right after high school. I decided to join the Army and made my way to the 82nd Airborne Division. Everything I’ve done in my life, I’ve had to fight for. My mom passed away when I was 10, and I went to live with my biological father, who was an alcoholic. Even finishing high school was a fight, but I was determined to do it one way or another.

When I got into the military, I faced a lot of discrimination as a woman. I was sexually harassed and stalked. I was held back from making ranks just because I was female. In war, you expect to have to fight, but not to fight your own unit. This hit me hard because I did everything by the book. I have a lot of PTSD.

Since the military, I’ve fought for my kids, I’ve fought breast cancer twice, I’ve fought my doctors and the VA, I’ve fought so many people who were supposed to be on my side. But through it all, I’ve never given up.

When I told Andrew, my songwriter, my story, he said that I was a strong woman. And I am. In 2023, on my birthday, I walked across the stage with my daughter to receive my associate’s degree. I keep pushing through obstacles every day. I’ve earned my wings, scars and all.

Somebody told me a long time ago that there was light at the end of the tunnel. For most of my life, there was no light…until I realized I had to create my own. Every time I feel myself slipping into darkness, I find that light. It comes from within me.

We all have that inner strength. It’s just a matter of believing in yourself. When you get knocked down, get back up. Your light will always find a way.

Listen to a preview of Stephanie Gaviria song with Andrew McKnight here:

Support Mental Wellness for Veterans

Music Therapy Retreats has served more than 100 veterans and people suffering from PTSD at retreats in Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, and beyond.

With just a $100 donation, you can receive this song — along with two full albums that give you an inside look at our retreats. The stories and songs compiled here highlight their experiences.

Listen to memories unfold, as the retreat attendee’s experiences are explored and captured in song.