Sonder: Youth Mental Health Stories of Struggle & Strength | Page 22

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL CONT.
As weeks went by, my grandma bailed my mom out of jail and we moved to a different
town. I lied to my mom and told her that I was happy there when inside I wasn’t. I
started to hurt myself again until my mom found out. I was battling with depression
when she saw cuts on my arms and legs. We moved to another town and lived in my
grandparent’s rental home. At my new home, I was uncomfortable with my mom’s
new boyfriend living with us. She was doing great until I found out she and her
boyfriend were lying to me and started to do drugs again. My grandma found out and
kicked us out of the house. We were forced to put our belongings into storage and
moved into a 1-bedroom house with 9 people and a dog. I fell deeper into depression
and began hating everything about life. Time passed, my mom decided to go to rehab.
She came out better and started to be herself again. We decided to move back home
when we got the call that someone sold all of our stuff, even my Marilyn Monroe
collection that meant a lot to me. Everything in my life was taken from me and broke
me into a million pieces. I never had a lot of things to begin with, but when they took
everything from me I didn’t know how to cope or feel anymore. Every little thing I ever
received was so valuable to me.
Life started to slow down after a long run of misery. I am learning to heal after
everything that has happened to me. There are bad moments and good, but I am
always learning as I go. I am thankful for being here today living with my aunt until
one day me, my mom, and my little sister get our own home. I am also thankful for
my teacher because, she has helped me with so much in life and sets daily goals with
me. Most of all, I am proud of my mother for coming a long way trying her best to be
happen even on the bad days. ●
20  Abuse, Addiction, & Loss