Unleashing Raine

<p>This is a true story about my life. Only the names were changed to protect the identity of my family. I am portrayed as Sierra. I was born in 1976 to a poverty-stricken family in the South. My father was an egotistical man who did not want a family and my mother was a melodramatic woman who longed for a fairy tale. My parents divorced when I was four years old and Mom moved on to a man named Gregory who she believed was the man of her dreams—the polar opposite of my dad. That relationship began our life of hell and thus my struggle began.<br /> <br />Gregory turned out to be a monster—not only an alcoholic but a paranoid schizophrenic. He beat Mom regularly for six years while I hid in the shadows. Our home life was unstable; we lived in campers run-down shacks and dilapidated trailers with no heat or electricity. Constant chaos ensued as we tried to desperately survive the horror story that was our lives.</p><p>Gregory controlled us and treated us as his personal slaves and Mom dutifully endured while I accumulated resentment within. I was a quiet introverted child who internalized everything. Everyone thought I was dealing with the situation beautifully and therefore offered me no help or support. My faith in God pulled me through those times and made me into a stronger better person.</p><p>Despite growing up in poverty without loving parents or family and with the troubles I have had in relationships I have done well for myself. God has blessed me beyond measure. I credit all my success to God and give him the glory.</p>