What does a person who has been disconnected from his family
in every aspect of his life have to say to anybody about family values? Let me
break down my life a little bit for you. I was born with in 1985, from there we
have neglect and abuse to the point where a 2 year old is found with a broken
leg. Needless to say after an investigation, my twin sister and I were taken
into protective services. If my memory serves me correctly we had 3 foster
families. While with one foster family we were subject to some of the harshest
treatments of children I have ever heard. We got taken away from that family
after someone notice bruises on me from being beaten every 5 minutes to a
timer. I am not exaggerating even in the slightest. Not to mention what my sister
with through. At this time she was the only constant thing in my life. I felt I
had to be strong for her and that continued as this story does. 1990 we were
finally adopted, upon adoption you would expect and think that it was all good
but now enters mental abuse. Not until we got to be teenagers did it really
start, the paranoia that we as a family (Not just my twin and me) had to endure
is ridiculous. To have to cater to an adult’s emotional needy ass is outrageous
as a child. What is going on with my body? How am I going to pass my class? What are we going
to do this weekend? I wonder if she likes me. Oh and damn is my dad looking
through the classroom window? I truly know what it means to be stalked, to
have your phone bugged, to have people ask you is that your dad over there
behind that tree? I wish this was a joke but it’s all true. The only way we
were considered a family was that we all had a common goal of not being a target
to my father’s distrust and we were very trust worthy people. Nobody had anybody’s back in our family. People
at school didn't know I had an older brother that went to the same school.
People would always be surprised to find out. I guess my loyalty comes from me
being with my sister so much even when I didn’t think she would ever take the
fall for me. I've gotten plenty of beating for my sister but that’s my twin, my
heart. Upon completion of high school I was blamed for all of my sister’s behavior
even though I wasn't getting in trouble yet. I was told that the only reason I
got adopted was because my sister had a twin and they didn’t want to split us
up. I was told this several several times despite awesomeness oozing out of my
pours. It didn’t stop when I moved out to go to college with no help from
anybody. I didn’t know anything. I didn’t know how to cook, wash dishes or clothes.
These are facts that people know about me. I’m marvelous at cooking now; I’ve
come a long way from the fire of 04” (maybe I’ll tell you about it one day). Dishes
and clothes… meh… I’ve figured some middle ground in achieving medium cleanliness.
Whites just aren’t that white these days. Anywho I got a chance to speak to my
real parents and the lies that came out of their mouths were incredible. I don’t
mind you lying (really do mind) when I ask you something, but don’t invite me
to your lies. If I don’t ask you about something than don’t tell me especially
if it’s the elephant in the room. Let it go, I don’t want to know about
whatever happen 20 some odd years ago. I’m okay I’ve made it through that fire,
trying not to get burnt but the fire in front of me. Needless to say my dreams
have been stepped on over and over by my family members I don’t really want to
go into details at this time but just trust that I have had a horrible example
of the type of family I will have one day. One filled with love and support for
who you are as a person. I will be my children’s and my wife’s biggest
supporter. I will invest in my family because I know that it matters. The time
you spend with your family matters. Every second matters. I never wanted to
work a job so much that I neglect my family. I’d take family over money any
day. Life is not about hording the most money. Life is about feeling love and
expressing love, tending to wounds with companions and understanding. Not being
judgmental and promoting individualism. I want my kids to know that it is okay
to be who they are. As long as I’m around I’ll protect my family like a man is
supposed to, I’ll tell my wife and kids I love them as many times as I think of
it. My kids will be raised with hugs and kisses and if they want to be a
painter they can be a painter, if they want to be the first person on Mars, we’re
going to figure out how to make it happen. I don’t understand how people lose
sight of what is important. You can’t replace that feeling you get when someone
looks into your eyes and tell you they love you or even without them saying
anything, just that look and you know what it is. We have a big responsibility
to promote a new way of living that brings us back to the family. You can’t
depend on money it comes and it goes. I’m not knocking people with money but if
you’re not about that family, if you don’t have anybody to share it with than what’s
the point? Really what is the point? That’s what I wanted to say about family, I
know what it is and what it means
With all that being said about family and all the experiences
I went through with them I have to give a huge huge huge thank you to my
friends who have supported me in whatever craziness I’ve been involved in. I honestly
could not have made it very far if I didn’t have the support of people who
looked inside me and saw that my every intention was an attempt to be good. I
thank them for see my light and wanting it to shine. I love them and they are
my true family. I don’t know if my family reads this blog but I know my friends
do and truly love ya’ll to death <3
Oh Yeah one of my friends birthday is today... Happy Birthday Kartis :)
Oh Yeah one of my friends birthday is today... Happy Birthday Kartis :)
Yes your family does read your blog. It's the only way that we know that you are alive. Everyone that grew up in that house has their own issues that they are dealing with. It was not until I had children of my own did I understand "our" father. I do not by any means condone all of the things that were said to us as children, but there is not a manual on being a parent. I'm sure that my kids will have a blog of their own one day because we are not perfect parents. I hope that one day you are able to forgive the ones that have hurt you. Chances are they don't even realize the damage that they have done to you. When you deal with your issues face on, you will be a much happier person. I only say this to you because I could've written this same blog some years ago...but I'm not angry anymore.
ReplyDeleteWith love and from the heart,
Your sister, Quita
Hey Shaun, I am very proud that you are brave enough to share yourself with the world. That is how you heal by bringing the darkness into the light no matter what anyone feels about it. You are an inspiration. I read your blog and this my first time posting, fight on friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Aja :)
DeleteShaun, I know one family that loved you and still does love you. I'm proud of who you are. God loves you and I hope you search for Him and find nothing but love. You called me Grandma and I am still proud to be your other Grandma. Elaine Lidster
ReplyDelete