Denise F

Denise was only 12 years old when our mom died. She had already lived through seven years of being hungry, both for food and affection. Then she was left with our father, who abused her in unimaginable ways. She lived with me and my husband briefly, but could not stand living with rules since she had always lived in her own way, just surviving. She went into foster care and ended up in a home for girls. She left there when she turned 18, seeking employment and trying to make herself a better person. Today Denise is in her 40's and is working as a contractor for a military base. There she met her current husband, and now she is finally living her dream. My hero is my sister Denise, who overcame obstacles from a dysfunctional family to become a loving wife and mother.

Submitted by Anonymous

Determination