At the age of 19, my life took a drastic turn when I was hit by a car on my way to work. The accident left me disabled and confined to a wheelchair. My father, who had always been distant and unreliable, refused to take on the responsibility of caring for me. Instead, he abandoned me at the hospital, leaving me feeling alone and scared.
It was then that I met Carol Hanson, a kind and loving therapist who took me under her wing. With her help, I was able to regain the use of my legs and start a new chapter in my life. Carol became like a mother to me, providing me with the love and support that I so desperately needed.
As I began to rebuild my life, I realized that I had a second chance to pursue my dreams. With Carol’s encouragement, I went back to school and eventually became a nurse. I excelled in my career, specializing in neonatal care, and even became somewhat of a local celebrity after being interviewed by a television crew.
But despite all the positive changes in my life, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of abandonment that my father had left me with. That was until the day he showed up at my doorstep, looking worn out and smelling of alcohol. He claimed to be ill and in need of my help, but I knew that I couldn’t trust him.
I remembered the pain and suffering that he had caused me, and I knew that I deserved better. So, I stood up to him and told him to leave. As I slammed the door shut behind him, I felt a sense of closure and empowerment.
It was then that Carol turned to me and said, “Jenny, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. I want to adopt you and become your mother.” I was overwhelmed with emotion as I realized that I had finally found a true family, one that was based on love and mutual respect, rather than just biology.
As I look back on my journey, I realize that family is not just about blood ties, but about the people who are there for you, who support and love you unconditionally. And for me, that person is Carol, the woman who took me in and showed me what it means to be loved.
