Abuse and divorce are events of my childhood that have driven me to turn pain into success.

When the divorce began, I was five years old. I endured much fear and emotional distress until my mom and I defeated my father. Once the divorce began, the climax of pain and terror emerged. In February, 1992, my father was arrested and charged with the crime of battery. As a result, he had court ordered probation and a restraining order was issued against him, which prohibited him from coming within 100 yards of our home, my mother’s office and my school.

My father committed three more misdemeanor counts in violation of the restraining order in February. Despite these events, I was ordered by court law to talk to him every Sunday on the phone at 7 p.m. until I was 13 years old. I felt attacked, suffocated and angry. I felt numb, indifferent and I didn’t know if it would ever get better.

$85,000 later, my mother and I had overcome the battle. We ended the unpleasant chapter of our lives and began a new life of happiness together.

As I reached the age of 16, I couldn’t handle the phone conversations any longer. I felt my father was unfair and verbally harsh. My mother and I both felt best to change our phone number. My life has been more peaceful and less emotionally stressful.

My mother has always been my hero. She is hard working, independent, intelligent and loving. She is my mother and father and also my friend and support. She has given her all in providing a wonderful life for her children and, because of her; I have become a stronger person today. Her positive outlook and strength to do what was right, enabled me to become just as loving and strong as she.

My mom always has wanted to do what is best for me. Although we did not have a lot of money, she sent me to an uplifting private school, where I met a lot of friends and got the chance to enjoy my last few years of being a kid. I attended a private middle school, which enabled me to further improve my skills and love for writing. Later, she enrolled me in art classes and summer camps, and to this day still takes time out of her life to spend time with me.

She never missed a basketball game and was by far the loudest and most proud parent in the stands. She attended every music recital, no matter how ear numbing they may have been. She has always been my number one fan; sitting in the front row for everything I have ever done in my life.

Today, my father and I converse via email and have not seen each other in over a year. I have accepted him for the way he is and am content with the superficial relationship we have developed.

My experience with my father has made me into a much more caring and strong individual. Although I was given a difficult father, I was also given an amazing mother, who without her, I would never have been able to succeed. I am grateful for my painful experience because it has taught me to be stronger and more compassionate. It has created a special bond between my mother and I that surpasses any friendship I have ever had. I would never wish for my life to have been different, because my mother and I have made quite a fun and successful life for ourselves.