Mia

I was adopted from birth by very educated and well-to-do, well connected parents. I was the only
adopted sibling and I felt unwanted growing up. I was mistreated by my siblings and adopted
parents and it profoundly effected my self esteem. Even though I reached out for help and a local
pastor came to pay our family a visit, everyone pretended everything was okay and good, even
though it was not. Because of emotional/physical abuse and neglect, I ran away in my teens. I
carried my garbage (my word for baggage) into my adulthood. I am now in my mid 40's and have
had 4 failed marriages and the victim of a bigamist marriage. My parents and siblings don't speak
to me. I haven't seen my siblings in 20 years. I have been floating out there, and trying to survive.
My walk with Jesus Christ is the only safe haven I have. I have never heard of anyone having a
story that came close to mine until I have heard your story. I am a school teacher in the public
school system. Thank you for sharing, because it gives me hope.