Melissa - After watching Dr. Phil today, I really empathized with what you are going through! I am also a product of 2 alcoholic parents who also happened to be physically abusive. Unlike you, however, I allowed my low self esteem to control the choices I made as an adolescent, and I got in with the wrong crowd at school. My grades plummeted in middle school and I began hanging around with the "hoods" (what would be considered "goths" by today's standards). I got pregnant at 16 (gave the baby up for adoption), then again at 17 (kept the baby and married the abusive father). I had 2 children from this marriage. After 11 years of hell, I divorced this man only to marry another abusive man.
I could go on and on about all the terrible mistakes that I made, but I really want you to know about my life today. I put myself through college on scholarships (3.95 GPA) as I was raising my children . I now have a graduate degree and have been a teacher for 13 years. I teach middle school math, and am able to connect (because of my own past) in a powerful way with the students who have incredibly disfunctional and heartbreaking homelives. I am married now to a wonderfully sweet and supportive man and we have a lovely home in the country. In other words, you really can free yourself from a horrible past and become and do anything that you desire!
I just want you to know how proud of you I am, and how deeply your story touched me! I know that you are going to make a big difference in the lives of many because of your adversities. Your past has already given you strength and determination, compassion, and leadership qualities that are already inspiring others, and will no doubt bless and inspire the lives of the many people whom you will encounter throughout your life. Very best wishes to you, and God bless!
Linda
