Later Success

In all of the ventures throughout our lives, everyone has had challenges that may have inhibited success and proper development. There are some people that resolved these obstacles and were able to cope with them, some even thrived despite them. A lot of people have various definitions for success, for me, success is living life to the fullest, achieving my goals, having a successful career, and helping my friends and family reach their goals. I believe that anything is possible if you dedicate your entire self to what you are trying to accomplish.

Some people are born into situations in which they cannot control. I was born into a family of little to no income and a lack of nurture. These circumstances have helped shaped my character and the person that I am today. Overcoming these obstacles have also made me realize how much value a warm bed and a room to call your own holds.

At the age of 6 months, I was taken away from my “mother” for the first time. I clearly do not recollect this instance, as I was too young. I was returned to my biological mother’s care after about a year. I suspect that my mother had custody of me for quite some time after the first incident. I remember being with her and everything seemed fine, then suddenly she wasn’t there. Being so young, I really didn't understand what was happening. All I knew was that I wanted my mom, and I didn’t understand why she wasn’t there.

Your mother is supposed to be there for you when you aren’t feeling well, or when you can’t sleep, or when you need something to eat. That wasn’t the case for me. It was kind of like we switched places. When the place we called “home” needed cleaned, when meals needed cooked, or even when my baby brother needed a diaper change, I was the one responsible for doing it.

It’s hard to imagine a six-year-old little girl being a caregiver to not only her baby brothers but her own mother. That was basically the first ten years of my life. Some of the things I have experienced are harsher than that of any typical person. I remember quiet evenings at home would drastically turn into a nightmare, and the cartoons my eyes were glued to turned into a search and rescue as I tried to protect my little brothers. My step-dad was a nice man until he went out and got drunk. After every intoxication, he would always find his way back home and find some reason to start beating on my mother. These were the scariest moments imaginable because at those times I knew the only thing I could do was watch.

It’s hard to believe, but after everything she put me through I still found it in my heart to want to be there for her and love her. In a way, I kind of felt sorry for my mom. I know that no child should ever have to go through anything like that, but I also believe that everything happens for a reason. I am in a much better place now, living a good life.I wouldn’t change anything from my past because what I went through got me to where I am today. God really and truly works wonders. He has blessed me with so many wonderful friends and given me a forever home, and here I know I’m always welcome.