The author shares her experience of being a young mother after being groomed by an adult man at the age of 16. She discusses the shame and judgment she faced during her pregnancy and as a young parent, as well as the lack of support from society. The trauma of her experience led her to internalize shame and blame, affecting her self-image and relationships with others. She reflects on the questions that were never asked of her, such as whether she was okay and in need of support, and highlights the stigma placed on teen mothers instead of on the adults who groomed and abused them.
Despite the challenges she faced, the author credits her mother and a close family friend for providing support during her journey as a young mother. With the help of these strong women, she was able to raise her daughter and navigate the social hurdles that came with being a young parent. However, she acknowledges that it took years of therapy and self-work to begin overcoming the shame that had been ingrained in her for so long. She emphasizes the importance of setting personal boundaries and advocating for oneself in the face of judgment and stigma.
The author’s daughter, now almost 30 years old, shares a close bond with her mother and has grown into a person of whom the author is proud. The author went on to pursue a master’s degree in clinical social work and now works as a mental health therapist, supporting others in healing from their own trauma and shame. She reflects on the achievements she has made despite the hardships she faced as a young mother, including graduating high school, earning a B.A. in English, and achieving the highest level of education in her family.
Through her journey of healing, the author has learned to live authentically and shame-free, modeling self-love and forgiveness for her daughter and others who have experienced shame and stigma. She believes in extending care and forgiveness to those who may judge her, and she has found strength in acknowledging her own worth and resilience. Ultimately, the author is proud of the person she has become and hopes to inspire others to embrace their own resilience and worth, despite the challenges they may have faced.
