Demelima

by Rachal Castaneda
(Houston, Texas)

My parents got divorced 7 years ago, when I was 9 years old. Since then I was given under custody to my mother... the recent years have been a living hell trying to cope with her and other aspects of my life. Under her roof I have contemplated suicide a hand full of times and have done things that have ruptured my health. I feel like I've been mentally flubbed by my mom.. I'm always on the fritz about what she will do next and its really killing me inside.

I am not going to make my dad sound like some super haven, but I do think of him as my hero sometimes. When my dad and I get together and talk about my problems, I am truely astonished and grateful at his approach. He actually TALKS with me and helps me. My dad believes in my dreams as much as I do and I know only good will come of that. I am a very good kid and he's the only one that sees that. My mom just punishes me and wishes I was something else. My dad and I share lots of simiular interest and I feel like it helps me grow into a confident person when im not always put down for who I am.

I tried to talk to my mom about living with my dad for a little bit and see how it turns out, but she wouldn't even notice my pleading... she put down my dad and me and went on about her way.

As you can see I don't know where else to turn... my dad is paying child support to my mom but I don't want to live with her. I want him to get a place near my school so I can graduate and be happy and make good desicions.

Please help,
Rachal Castaneda