Navigating The Abyss

Sneak Peak of Chapter 2 – Navigating The Abyss

Navigating The Abyss: At 18, pregnancy thrust me into a disorienting whirlwind. Transitioning from a hopeful teenager to a struggling young mother, the isolation was palpable. Alone and in the dark, I faced rejection and isolation, with no hand to hold. The absence of support and the haunting specter of failure characterized my journey. Despite the pressure for abortion, my Christian beliefs held firm, leading me to face this challenging reality alone.

In the shadows of rejection, I turned to destructive habits – drinking and smoking – attempting to numb the overwhelming darkness. Each bottle became a misguided refuge, a fleeting illusion of salvation. I evaded confronting my reality, running from it in every direction. The sole beacon of hope was my unwavering love for the child I was determined to have.

The birth of my healthy daughter at 19 was a moment of salvation. A new mum, holding my bundle of joy, my return home, however, brought a new set of challenges as my society became a constant reminder of perceived failure. Fear, fading smiles, and looming distractions intensified. Seeking solace in the bottle proved ineffective;
I yearned to cry, scream, or run away. Turning to physical self-inflicted pain and tattoos became my form of expression and unconventional outlets.