My Life in Six-Word Chapters — Filled With Broken Dreams
Faith and hope kept my passion alive
My life story in six-word story chapters.
Chapter 1: Born on her mother’s birthday Stole all attention; mother hates her.
Chapter 2: Biological father ran away Blamed, it was all her fault.
Chapter 3: Stepfather moved in Stepbrother born; moved around the country.
Chapter 4: Stepsister born, still moving all around Feeling excluded; she did not belong.
Chapter 5: Chores were waiting for her every day Not allowed after-school fun, only chores.
Chapter 6: All her friends played in the street Cried while watching everyone having fun.
Chapter 7: Domestic violence Lots of arguments; yelling frightened her. Chapter 8: Incest began around age twelve Stepfather went to bedroom every night.
Chapter 9: Who would save her? Each night she felt more lost.
Chapter 10: She was too afraid to tell anyone It felt icky; she blamed herself.
Chapter 11: Abuse continued nightly, where is God? She hated herself and felt alone.
Chapter 12: Met a boy in ninth grade; first love While they dated, hope was high.
Chapter 13: First love creates trust and hope Disclosed secret, he did not run away.
Chapter 14: Made plans for escape Left on date, never returned home.
Chapter 15: His mother offered protection Relief mixed with terror; first steps
Chapter 16: Worked hard to support herself Two jobs and going to college.
Chapter 17: Stress will eat you alive Alcohol and narcotics seemed to help.
Chapter 18: Born to be wild Found bikers, almost lost her life.
Chapter 19: Friends abandoned her, no one left Terror increased daily, time to go.
Chapter 20: Planned her escape once again Beaten and bruised, nowhere to run.
Chapter 21: Ran away, reported to the police No help; bikers own the police.
Chapter 22: Familiar pattern Always running away, never feeling safe.
Chapter 23: Scared straight Stopped drinking and drugs; began therapy.
Chapter 24: Family dysfunction rears its ugly head Talked until she felt less hopeless.
Chapter 25: Met first husband, so much like her He’s from Boston and he’s Italian.
Chapter 26: They had so much in common What could go wrong for them?
Chapter 27: Move back to Boston, live with his mother She has to live with cousins.
Chapter 28: They lie and tell everyone they eloped Blessed marriage permission; living together again.
Chapter 29: Too much guilt City Hall ceremony with mother-in-law only.
Chapter 30: Mother-in-law dies unexpectedly Grief overwhelms; church wedding already planned.
Chapter 31: After wedding, Italians expect babies Trying to get preggo; no good.
Chapter 32: It must be her fault Nobody’s fault; life keeps on happening.
Chapter 33: Exploring options Adoption is discussed; discover their son.
Chapter 34: Life with their new son Their three-year-old brings love and excitement.
Chapter 35: After long-term illness, stepfather dies Ambivalent feelings prevail; sadness and relief. Chapter 36: Severe mood changes in their son Their son becomes more than depressed. Chapter 37: Their five-year-old son has PTSD Their son tries to harm himself.
Chapter 38: She becomes braver after stepfather dies Discloses secret to her mother finally.
Chapter 39: Her mother suggests it was her fault Rejection brings more pain, no help.
Chapter 40: Thirty-eight years old; her mother still blames her Her mother shows her true colors.
Chapter 41: Their son survives, life continues Gratitude, relief; their son is safe.
Chapter 42: The eight-year-old son arrives New siblings enjoy the short honeymoon.
Chapter 43: Both children have psychological issues Severe damage; need treatment for PTSD.
Chapter 44: Too much for husband to handle Husband runs from responsibility; isolates himself.
Chapter 45: Children witness too many arguments Too much anger; she feels alone
Chapter 46: Overwhelmed and afraid Single mom raising her two boys
Chapter 47: What happened to her family Her dream shattered; her boys confused.
Chapter 48: Working two jobs, running in circles Met someone; no interest in dating.
Chapter 49: No time for fun; work, work, work He was persistent; she liked him.
Chapter 50: They had fun dating for two years They danced; it was their last.
Chapter 51: Shattered her knee, no more dancing Her life stopped; her heart dropped.
Chapter 52: No work, no income, lost everything She could barely walk; deeply depressed.
Chapter 53: He held her tight as her tears flowed She lost herself; he found her.
Chapter 54: It was a new beginning Her boys were happy and safe.
Chapter 55: He encouraged her to plan. She believed she was good enough.
Chapter 56: Completed school Graduated with her Masters; so proud.
Chapter 57: He stayed and gave her support Many blessings; gratitude filled her heart.
Chapter 58: Abandoned her toxic family Began living her life; happy, content.
Chapter 59: Clinical therapist One life dream fulfilled; helping others.
Chapter 60: He helped her discover her dreams Gratitude and love surround each day.
There are more chapters to be written but I did not want to make this story too boring or difficult to read. This is an outline of the pieces of my life.
Some parts of my life are still painful, like when my five-year-old son tried to kill himself or when I was never told about my brother’s death. I did not have the option to attend my own brother’s funeral. It is a loss that still stings and I can never get that moment in time back again.
I hope this story gives you a sense of who I am and what inspires me.
Thank you to KiKi Walter for this wonderful prompt. If you missed Kiki’s story that begets this prompt, here’s the link. Absolutely breathtaking!
Yet another wonderful life story by T Mann. Her creativity is wonderful.
Another amazing life story by Lisa S. Gerard. Each time I read these words, I smile.