Alright, here we go again. This time, how I grew up. As a warning, not all this stuff will be fun to read, but it will help in knowing how I came to be. I'll try to be as light hearted as possible though! :) First part: family.
I come from small city of about 80,000 people. Born and raised there. Yea, its small, especially when considering larger cities like LA, Seattle, or Portland. I come from a family where it was pretty strict on gender roles. The man worked outside of the home, and was tough, while the woman must stay at home and tended to the man. And it was like that for a while. At least for a few years until I was about 6 or 8. My mother got a job teaching, and life was still good. Of course my father wasn't too terribly happy, and well...most of my life there was a lot of fighting and arguing going on.
So overall, I want to state that yes, my family has problems, but its still a family. I have only recently come out to them, and yes, both my mother and father know. They still love me, even though they are having a difficult time understanding why I want to go through with this. Or why I'm like this for that matter.
Back to the story. My mother. She is a very strong woman. She has currently graduated from college and got a degree in teaching math. Although we butt-heads sometimes, I still love my mommy! She's always been there for me when I truly needed her! :D
Its....well...to let you know, I still love my father, and we are talking. But it wasn't always like that. Yes, he did things that wouldn't have been approved by anyone...and yes....he was an alcoholic. But he is doing better now. He's even trying to get involved in my life, and has made great strives to better himself as a person. He had a very rough childhood himself, so I understand why he treated us in such a harsh way sometimes. And I forgave him a long time ago. So, an example of how he used to be, and how he used to treat me in my past can be wrapped up in one memory.
I wasn't more than 4 years of age when this happened. I loved going to the park with my dad when he had a soccer game. When we got there, I'd watch for a bit, then go play in the toys. It was a wonderful playground. And this park was pretty big, but I've done this plenty of times before. This time was different though.
When I noticed that the game was done, I started running back to my dad. I was excited to hear if they won (I always thought they won) but when I got back to the field, I couldn't see my dad anywhere. I started to panic, when I noticed his car driving off. I chased after him as fast as I could, but no success...I was abandoned. (*This was accidental for those of you who think otherwise*) I didn't know what to do, I started to cry...
Two men walked up to me, and luckily I recognized them as some of his best friends. They were always over at our house so I knew I could trust them. They gave me a ride home.
When I got back, my mom was so relieved that I made it back safe and sound. I was happy that I was going to keep on living! Then he got back....
He wasn't relieved, or happy to see me back. Instead, he reached for his belt....and well....yea. Not good. As I cried...I tried to apologize. He just kept swinging, and saying I shouldn't have left, and shouldn't be crying... And at this point, all my mom could do, was watch.
Its a terrible thing that had happened. And throughout my childhood things like this happened a lot. Things that weren't my fault, but he made me believe that they were. Some were worse, while others not so bad. Eventually I was able to stand up to him though. And because there was a point where I ended up not talking to him for almost 2 years, I think that helped him realize that he needed to change.
My childhood had many downs, but at least when I had good times, they were beyond good. And I do want to add that I am happy on how things turned out, for if these events never happened, I wouldn't be who I am today! :D
Part 2 will be posted within a week, if I can finally figure out how I'm going to say things. :) Love you all!
~Elle