my story isn't special or any different, but it's amongst the many others here and i find solidarity to be important in a time of confusion, stress and sometimes turmoil.

i was 16 years old and in love for the very first time. the relationship started off great, but gradually became physically abusive.

at 16 in 1968 i was forced to have an illegal abortion my step father didn't want the embarrassment of an unwed pregnant daughter.

i was 16 years old when i got pregnant. twice. i had been in my past relationship then going on 3 years.

driving up to the building scared shitless. i get out of the car and hear people yelling… cursing… screaming at me, calling me names.

i'm a mother of 3 wonderful children. an 11 year old daughter, 8 year old son and almost 2 year old son.