Dear Dr. Archer,I was sexually, physically and mentally abused as a child. Both of my parents were on meth my whole life. My mom owed money to a drug dealer, and when I was 14, he raped me.
I got married when I was 16 and had a child by the time I was 17. At age 18, my mom died a horrible death due to cancer. It was when she died that I found out my father was not my father. We drifted apart for five years after that.
I was a good mother until I was 26. I started using meth for about two years, got into trouble, and I've been clean and healthy since. Last year I was working for the state of California at the Public Authority as a hospice nurse. I was laid off, and my unemployment benefits ran out about a month ago.
My little family is in bad shape. I'm continuously looking for work, and this morning I spent the whole day out, looking. I got home around 5:00 this evening. I have two daughters, ages 17 and 14. My 14 year old suffers from depression and anxiety because of our situation.
My ex-husband is not around. When I was 26 he left me for a 17 year old, leaving us with nothing. He lives in a big, beautiful house on the beach. He pays just enough support as to not to get in trouble with the state. It was when he left us that I got in trouble.
I'm 37 years old now. That's it; my story in a nut shell. Thank you for your time.
Laura
Dear Laura,
Your life has truly been a challenge, and I am so sorry you've had such obstacles placed in front of you. However, you impress me because you don't blame others or say why me; you just state the facts. Your daughters are lucky to have such a strong role model.
Seek out any type of assistance you can get. Go to your local
Social Security Office. Also try this site for
Single Moms to see if you qualify for a governmental grant which is strictly for single, unemployed moms. Also, Laura, go to
Family, where you can apply for assistance in receiving financial assistance with utilities.
Remember to never give up, but by the tone of your letter I don't think I have anything to worry about. You are a true survivor, Laura. I wish you and your daughters nothing but the best.
Dr. Archer
