“I had a giant cage-looking contraption on my leg 75% of the time. The names and whispers echoed through the hallways. The pain took its toll on me.”
‘I was called freak, alien, monster. ‘When will this end? Did I make a mistake by not amputating my leg?’: Limb difference advocate says ‘I’m proud to stand out’
‘How did that happen?!’ I live with my husband’s ex-wife. Marrying him was package deal.’: Mom and stepmom peacefully co-parent, ‘What matters most is having each other’s back’
“Growing up, I fantasized about the man I was going marry. I never thought he’d be 16 years older, with 4 kids and an ex-wife. I was pregnant and feeling isolated. She was a homemaker of 30 years, faced with an empty nest. Little did I know how far we could take it. People struggle to wrap their heads around it.”
‘As a mom, you just KNOW. Something didn’t feel right. Cars zipped by on the busy street. I trembled as we made our way to the front of the building. We were only a few steps away. I wanted to run, but I didn’t.’
“I wish I could’ve jumped into one of those passing cars and pretended it never happened. That I hitchhiked, ran away, disappeared. I thought we could find someone to ‘fix’ my son. As the woman in the office spoke, I couldn’t take my eyes off her mouth. I knew the word that would come. I didn’t believe her.”
‘He didn’t get down on one knee. He just handed me a ring in the car without saying a word. ‘I wish I never met you.’: Woman realizes ‘soul mate’ was narcissist ‘incapable of actual love’
“Right after we got back from our honeymoon, I began to notice a change. ‘If we get along next week, I’ll file the paperwork,’ I said to myself. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Nearly 2 years went by. I never changed my name.”
‘Learn to pray. It’s so good for your soul.’ Actor Chris Pratt’s top 9 tips on life, God and how to poop
“I’m going to cut to the chase and I am going to speak to you, the next generation,” Pratt said. “I accept the responsibility as your elder. So, listen up.”
