She's Not My Mother

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month; this is to honor the abused. A child can be abused by parents, stepparents, grand parents, siblings, and other relatives. This is a hypothetical story about a child and his mother, however, it could be the story of anyone.

In this day and age, everyone is supposed to love their mother. The love should come naturally, and shouldn’t feel expected of you. Not mine; it is a constant struggle to have to love her.

Other kids get a great bug hug, a real big smile and encouraging words. I’m just told to keep my mouth shut. Other kids get help with their homework and good meals at home. I’m told not to waste my time; I will never amount to anything anyway. My meals are not meals by a rat’s standard. Other kids get tucked into bed with a bedtime story read to them with tender loving care. I’m yelled at “get you’re a** to bed.”

I try not to do anything wrong; I walk on eggshells all the time. I never know if want I’m going to say or do is going to get her mad. I know when I get older I will be stronger; I won’t have to take this for long. I’m a tough little kid; I try hard not to cry. There were been plenty of times I got yelled at for that and then a smack.

I try to focus while doing my homework as I getting yelled at about more chores to do. I know I’ll never be like that to my kids. I’m going to be one of those parents who hug their kids tight. I am going to make sure that my kid has everything and feels that they are loved. I will help them with their homework and be there for them no matter what. As for her, she’s not my mother. I just have to love her.