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Coccineus — Mother
#badparenting #badpast #childhood #childhoodmemories #mother #parents
Published: 2015-07-18 15:59:16 +0000 UTC; Views: 342694; Favourites: 576; Downloads: 0
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Description I lived with my mother until I was eleven. She once told me that I was a planned child. Yet when I was twelve she told me she doesn't want me to live with her anymore because "she got her own life now". Now, if she would have been the jetsetting type, I might've understood. When you travel a lot a child can be a burden, limiting you in your personal fulfillment. But my mother spent her newly acquired own life on her butt on the couch, infront of the TV.
Why do you want a child when you get rid of it after twelve years? I have my speculations about this. She separated from my father when I was five, first we went from one hotel to another, after she went to the lawyer she received spousal support. Even after I got older, she never looked for a job. She just didn't wanted to work, always had excuses. She was lazy. My father later told me it's always been like that, even though he got her a well-paid job in a big firm (prior to my birth), she always complained about work and later quit because "her eyes hurt" (she had to work with small parts and apparently there was bad light. Totally valid reason to quit your job).
So yes, I believe her when she says I was planned, because she needed a good reason not to work anymore. A child comes in handy there. But after she had her spousal support, what need is there for a child anymore? Why spend any of the money on me if she could have it all to herself. My parents were married for 22 years, even though I wasn't living with her anymore, for my father there was no getting out of the obligation to pay for her upkeep.

When I was about ten, my mother got sick. She started acting weird, cutting the cables in our appartment, throwing mirrors out of the window, she stopped speaking and only communicated through signs and noises. She got paranoid and "heard voices". She would later be diagnosed with schizophrenia. The worst thing was when she attacked me. She grabbed me by the throat, pushed me on my bed and tried to rip out my braces with pliers. It was because I once mentioned my teeth hurt sometimes.
I was able to hold her off, but I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life before, and haven't been ever since.
The situation escalated when she locked me up and wouldn't let me go to school. It might seem strange for a normal person, but up to this point it didn't even occur to me to tell anyone about her condition. And no one noticed, because she basically had no social life. She had no job, so there were no working colleagues, she had no friends, we never had any visitors. I grew up very isolated, it was only the two of us. The only people who had a bit of contact with her were her ex-husband and her mother. I don't know why no one did anything. It just... happened and I tried to deal with it.
So this one day she locked me up, and I started screaming. The neighbours heard me and called the police, and due to her behaviour and threatening, they arrested her. She resisted and they had to carry her down the stairs. And I went to school like always.
After school, my father, who I hadn't really known that much about so far, came to pick me up with the words "your mother lost her shit completely, you're living with me from now on".
I was eleven.

My fathers then-girlfriend didn't like me. She always insisted that I go back to my mother after she recovered (she was in a mental hospital). There was some back and forth and I eventually went back to her. I was twelve or thirteen now. But after a few months her condition worsened again, I tried to stay for as long as I could, but ended up calling my father. So I went back to live with him again. Sometime during that period (she had no one to look after her, no medication or anything), I was told to come visit her at the hospital, because she had a stomach ulcer that bursted. She had a very big scar that went from the right side of her stomach all the way to the left. She claimed it was an emergency surgery and the doctors hadn't expected her to survive. I believed that. My mother had always been the only person in my life, it didn't even occur to me to doubt her. And no one told me otherwise. Ten years later I found out it was a suicide attempt and the scar came from cutting her stomach open by herself. This caused her a permanent damage to her stomach tissue, and she could only eat "light" things that could be digested easily. The worst thing is, she used it as an excuse not to work. Everytime my father mentioned the job topic, she referred to her "stomach problems".

I haven't spoken with my mother in ten years now. I don't know what kind of person I would've become if I hadn't been taken away from her. This woman is harmful, damaging herself and those around her. When you read this, you might feel sympathy, or pity for her. Don't. She caused everything that happened to her by herself. By deciding not to make anything out of her life, just looking for a man to marry and impregnate her so she doesn't have to take care of herself, she brought all this down on herself.
Yes, a life can be hard. There are many hardships for a woman, it can be hard to work because you might not get along with your colleagues or your boss, you might get tasks assigned that you fail, there is stress and embarassment. But by trying to take the easy way out you condemn yourself to a life of boredom, lack of self-respect and low self-confidence.
One thing I strongly remember about my mother is how she thought and spoke of herself. She defined herself by what men thought about her. That she was considered attractive by men was probably the only source of confidence for her. She had no hobbies or interests, did no activities she was good in, hardly ever read a book. Even though she had achieved nothing, she was very proud. She thought of herself as beautiful and intelligent. She felt superior to others. But it was just something she told to herself, deep inside she knew it wasn't true. But she had to keep her positive self-perception. And she told me all of that so somebody else would think of her like that, too. And I did. For a long time I did, but now that I see the things on a wider scale, all that's left is... contempt. And the hope that I will never become like her.
There are similarities between us. I grew up isolated, and I still live quite an isolated life dealing with social anxiety. Relationships are at least difficult, if not impossible for me. But I work. And I don't depend on men, like she always did. I face my hardships, and I deal with them. That some men perceive me as pretty is not my main source of confidence. I have a lot of interests.
I believe that I won't become like her.
Related content
Comments: 227

Mybloodypit [2023-11-05 00:44:01 +0000 UTC]

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Samtt99 [2023-08-24 21:28:54 +0000 UTC]

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BlackNBoom [2023-02-13 23:45:46 +0000 UTC]

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trueterraria [2023-01-07 23:14:35 +0000 UTC]

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Coccineus In reply to trueterraria [2023-07-15 13:30:21 +0000 UTC]

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Fatlover68938 In reply to Coccineus [2023-12-20 13:38:19 +0000 UTC]

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Coccineus In reply to Fatlover68938 [2023-12-21 15:26:45 +0000 UTC]

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Fatlover68938 In reply to Coccineus [2023-12-21 19:05:21 +0000 UTC]

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Coccineus In reply to Fatlover68938 [2023-12-22 13:15:08 +0000 UTC]

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bennyman740 [2021-10-23 16:16:08 +0000 UTC]

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bennyman740 [2021-10-23 16:10:18 +0000 UTC]

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LadyClassical [2020-02-09 22:44:34 +0000 UTC]

Too often, things like that go unchecked. If only we could help every mentally ill person out there, things like this might not happen. Very touching.

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Coccineus In reply to LadyClassical [2020-02-15 23:27:41 +0000 UTC]

If people would take responsibility for their own life, such things wouldn't happen either.

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LadyClassical In reply to Coccineus [2020-02-17 14:04:59 +0000 UTC]

Well, the reason they can't take responsibility for their life is their mental illness.

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Coccineus In reply to LadyClassical [2020-03-05 09:09:06 +0000 UTC]

Not everyone is mentally ill from the start. My mother did not get schizophrenia before her mid 40s. It broke out because of years of depression, and she was depressed because she made bad life choices. It's simple like that.

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LadyClassical In reply to Coccineus [2020-03-05 21:15:55 +0000 UTC]

I guess you would know better than I would. I know depression and stuff can develop (though I do hear some people are more genetically prone to it) but I thought schizophrenia was something you were born with.

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arielg7000 [2019-12-10 13:16:53 +0000 UTC]

OK

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daddytoy15 [2019-06-25 11:17:02 +0000 UTC]

Amazing writing

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Titchguy [2018-07-07 12:29:03 +0000 UTC]

Your writing is fantastic. It takes a brave person to be that honest and share it with the larger world 

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NathanElhanan [2017-04-18 16:54:55 +0000 UTC]

Sounds familiar, the only different thing is instead of my mother it was my grandmother and instead of me it's my mom that suffered something quite like this, but without the physical abuse just psychological -- still it's bad all the same.

Reading your story is just...  and believe me when I say this, from the way you interact with your watchers here at dA and the way you constantly post positive stuff at a daily basis, you're not like her, far from her and better yet... you're better than her. Also, i'm amazed with you 'cause to write something like it takes strength. Thanks for sharing this, maybe I'll show it to my mom. Wish you all the best. 

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FATMANWALKTHELAND [2017-04-18 16:12:28 +0000 UTC]

this one those you try to learn form you  parents misstated.

in my case i came up in the dark part of American history of the Jim crow day 

both my parents mom and my dad were in the service i don't what the hell they saw doing that time 
what ever it was it kind drove them insane with mental problem  mix that in with both my grandparents were military alcoholic
and it whole new mean to Lonny tune 

Some the stuff my older sister told me i was to young to remember 
but is my grandpa got the bright ideal to give an baby bottle with whiskey and vodka with raw cow to me  say to keep me sleep and quite.
not to mention my grandmother slip was slipping morphine in my sister soda  make her dizziness and paranoia at time to the point she wouldn't 
let anyone touch me or look at with out her going into rage. 
my mother was same way both her my sister would just loss it if anyone came near me.
this uselessly go on for couple week at an time then they would just snap out it 

as for both my dad and granddad and me were what you call full fusion working Alcoholic
as long i was waste i could work without i would shake so hard that i would brake my arm

the same thing is at one point in my life work was my god it one place i cloud pretend i was normal just like everyone else 
all laughing and joking around always there to help out hell if look at me you would tough i was the happiness man alive

I was the dude that everyone love and wonted be like me when i was at work the truth i was slowly die inside kill myself to live one drink at a time

it was the only few time that i saw both my parent were happy to see me working for some odd reason

I look back at now it dose not feel like that was me some kind wired dream out  body thing 

it took many year and lot doctor and both my close friend and my church family to get me and family half way normal

i learn because i have already been down that dark rabbit hole i could use what i been threw to help other  
plus i can i am kind happy i did help some the local kid in my hood out trouble by keep them from go down my path

i glad said they had good jobs and happy family some them become even because famous,

you are not your parent 
the whole ideal of be an good parent
is to see your kids do better then you
hopefully to see them reach their goal 
if you bless you might get grandkids out the deal

away to past on your story to the next generation

 i true hope you have an long and happy life 

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The-Cloaked-One [2016-09-10 10:18:37 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for coming out and sharing this painful story you faced while growing up.

In case this helps: The cheapest lesson you learn is from watching other people's mistakes.

Growing up, my parents became very disaffected to each other and there was problems on both sides. My father can be harsh, selfish, and inconsiderate at times, but nothing worse. I recently had a talk with him where he revealed mom used to like to watch the same movie over and over and over again, or would try to have him watch shows she knew he didn't like. I told him it would have been better for him to have conceded at least on occasion because that was what she wanted him to do.

More importantly, at a different time Dad told me that the only time mom was happy in the marriage was when she was pregnant. She for some reason was very happy when pregnant, I was one of four. She also had a habit of leaving things unfinished. She never finished college. She left the army before being able to get retirement.

When I was 11-12 I was in Alaska. My siblings and I got an invite to come down to South Carolina by my aunt and spend a year. At the end of the year, my younger sister and I decided to stay. My two elder brothers returned to Alaska. My father was a salesman traveling around Alaska at this time. On my eldest's 16th birthday, my mother up and left him at the house. My father was out at the time, had to cancel and come streaming on home.

This would later turn into a divorce, I found out about it a few days later on my birthday.

This divorce weighed heavily on me for many many years. I was told by both parents that I was responsible for the divorce (more like the straw that broke the camel's back), but I really took that to heart. Combined with a very lonely school life, I fell into deep depression and became suicidal for many years. This still comes back in waves every now and again, the most recent wave being strongest back in May.

From these experiences I have developed a largely shattered self confidence, chronic depression, and a fear of relationships.

For my chronic depression, I've inundated myself with friendly and happy people and this has helped, but not fixed the problem. My self confidence might very well be a lost cause... but I have at least largely overcome my fear of relationships (especially divorce).

I don't despise my parents. I've just always been... sad about it. Just sad.

From studying my father, I realized that when it comes to my girlfriend (when I get one), I want to pay attention to her. I don't want a quick marriage, I want a while of dating so that we really know each other and like each other. I want to build up a strong foundation so that we can have the best chance to flourish. I have become cautious. If I ever have children, I never never never want them to go through what my siblings and I dealt with. Never never never.

There's a lot more that happened, but I wanted to keep this short. Didn't mean to ramble so much. Thanks for sharing your life. I hope you find healing.

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Coccineus In reply to The-Cloaked-One [2016-09-10 10:27:20 +0000 UTC]

Wow, it's incredibly irresponsible of your parents to tell you that you were the reason for their divorce. They obviously have problems with themselves and each other, but it's so much easier to blame others. To blame your own child however, is the lowest of the low.
It's very generous of you not to hate them, I'd certainly hate their guts.

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The-Cloaked-One In reply to Coccineus [2016-09-10 10:56:16 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Blame is a strong word on my part. The context was:
Mom would come home from work stressed. She would blame me for things all the time (too young to remember). Dad says he would come home to us all crying on multiple occasions. Down the road, I started beating my head against the wall saying 'It's all my fault. It's always my fault." Mom became very upset that I was doing this and this has been cited for why she filed for divorce.

I don't remember most of my childhood, but I do remember bashing my head against walls when frustrated up through 7th grade (not hard enough to hurt myself though.). I'm still bad at dealing with stress, but I don't engage in self harm in any form.

In this sense, I'm not angry at them. I can understand my actions at the time would be shocking and quite discomforting. It was more of a statement of fact that this was final straw on a train wreck already in motion. I've just always been very sensitive and really took it to heart.

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Redofscale [2016-09-09 00:54:44 +0000 UTC]

Hugs, I'm sorry to hear about this. That part about your braces scared the hell out of me, I hate teeth related stuff. I'm glad you survived.. I wish you the best!

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LeBleuAnteater [2016-09-04 04:01:12 +0000 UTC]

Keep that confidence that you will be different. That you will be your own person. That you will not be her shadow. I keep the same hope regarding myself and my own mother. I wrestle with the fear of being like her, and I sometimes sit and become introspective, examining myself and my actions for any trace of her. But I know that I can be different. You can be different as well. Self-sufficient, responsible, achieving. Our parents aren't our destiny if we don't allow it. Best of luck to you.

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kalkfell [2016-09-01 22:46:20 +0000 UTC]

Very good text. Good that you are so clear about your mother. I wish you all the best!

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viciousmischief [2016-09-01 18:05:42 +0000 UTC]

Very inspiring. I grew up a lot like this, too. I think the best thing my mother taught me was what not to be, especially as a woman. And when my dad hopped into my life at 12, he did the same just in different ways. Its disturbing that there are so many that grow up like us, and worse that so many experience violence like you did. Personally, I think you don't have to worry about turning into her because you're aware of it and make the deliberate choice not to  

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Digitank [2016-09-01 15:00:12 +0000 UTC]

Sorry to hear that you had to deal with such hardships in your youth. However, the strong find hardship as a reason to strive for better and you seem to be part of this group, so I have high hopes for you. 

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wildspark [2016-09-01 14:25:24 +0000 UTC]

I came across your post rather randomly.

From reading it, I believe it's already clear that you are not like her.

Because your post demonstrates that you have honesty and courage (in writing clearly).

May the rest of your days be filled with joy...

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Alindi [2016-09-01 13:23:16 +0000 UTC]

I'm bad at finding words but this touched me. I wish you all the best, and though I don't know you I see you're a hard working person. Keep it up!

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kelleydom [2016-09-01 13:04:05 +0000 UTC]

I feel sorry for you

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SaraySego [2016-09-01 10:16:32 +0000 UTC]

Honestly, I didn't, even for a second, felt any kind of sympathy for the woman that gave you birth, she wasn't your mother, she didn't care.
I feel  very proud of you, because you asked for help when you saw you couldn't manage the situation anymore, that's brave. "I believe that I won't become like her", darling, you already are not like her!! You've learned from your mom's mistakes, so you're not her, don't worry about that ^^
Even if we are completely strangers to each other, I feel proud of your progress, your evolution as human being. Keep going!!      

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WatcherCCG [2016-09-01 09:18:32 +0000 UTC]

You have my sympathy, and my admiration. I have no idea what I would've become if my childhood had been like this.

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wildirishrose7 [2016-09-01 08:21:49 +0000 UTC]

I hope this was cathartic for you to put it down into words, and share with others. You won't be her, ever. You are a survivor, strong, talented, and resourceful. No one is perfect. Perfection in a person is not only unrealistic, it's over-rated! It is part of what makes us human, our perfect imperfections. The fact that you are aware of areas that you wish to improve is a sign of an emotionally healthy person. Keep creating your art, and choose your destiny. Thanks for sharing.

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Parias080 [2016-09-01 03:56:47 +0000 UTC]

Sympathy?! Not for that Woman!
I have Sympathy for You, because You hadn't the Choice for a Chance.

But remember; You are not Your Mother. You took Your Fate in Your own Hands. That a very good Reason to be proud
And if You doubt, look yourself Your own amazing Works on DeviantArt

Keep a stiff upper lip (or what Germans say: Halt die Ohren steif )

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GreenAngel5 [2016-09-01 03:56:14 +0000 UTC]

Even though you mother is like that, at least you learned quite a bit from it and what not to do and how to deal with it. I'm happy to hear that you can look back on the situation and see what actually happened.

I really hope my younger sister doesn't do that. She hasn't married the guy yet but now has two children and I very much doubt that she'll ever get a job or hobby. I'm not against mothers who stay home to raise the children; but I know she rushed into it way to fast and burned way too many bridges with family and friends to get where she's at. I can only hope for the best and that she also doesn't become like your mother. I really only think that, besides all the other points I mentioned, but she apparently ran her head through the wall and used to have alot of panic attacks and still has depression; but like I said, she's burned some bridges, so she shouldn't have to worry about us anymore. I can only hope that it's working out for her.

You did good to get the mind set you have now

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circuitrycat [2016-09-01 03:11:20 +0000 UTC]

I send luvs to you. I'm glad you are able to reflect on past events and are becoming a great person.

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Joyfulghostkawaii [2016-09-01 03:03:54 +0000 UTC]

😭 My parents are divorced and my dad acts like I don't exist. I understand this on another level! I sympathize with you! 😢

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CaptainChampcat [2016-09-01 02:46:08 +0000 UTC]

I'm very sorry that you had to go through that, hopefully your life is at ease at least without that women in your life. 😖😖

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Chereaze [2016-09-01 02:27:47 +0000 UTC]

I can sort off relate to you...I mean my life isn't bad I'm happy but my mom was a bit similar to yours not as bad though...

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1ijoel [2016-09-01 01:35:35 +0000 UTC]

We can allow or past cripple us or temper us like steel. I wish you hadn't had to go through this but the art you create comes from somewhere of light and beauty. You made it through.

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The-Enchanted-Rose [2016-09-01 00:28:15 +0000 UTC]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But I'm also happy that you're learning from the mistakes she made and making that you don't make those yourself.

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Koko-pelli [2016-09-01 00:00:25 +0000 UTC]

I'm sorry you had to grow up with a woman like that as your mother but I'm happy that you're not making the same mistakes that she did. You are your own person living their own life, you broke the cycle and I'm so glad you did.

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StealthElfJade [2016-08-31 23:07:40 +0000 UTC]

You are nothing like her you are creative and whether or not you know it you are relatively friendly to us on here on DA. I think you are a wonderful person. Keep growing

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Shadowkeyheart [2016-08-31 23:06:24 +0000 UTC]

I understand what it's like to be stuck around destructive people. From what I've seen of you on here, you're an awesome person with a wide variety of interests. If you don't want to be like her, you won't be. I believe in you and I'm glad that I know this about you now. You're stronger than I ever realized, but now I know.

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EraOfThirteen [2016-08-31 22:10:14 +0000 UTC]

I'm sure you won't be like her. The fact that you recognize what is wrong and what isn't, and that you acknowledge your problems, shows that you are already a much better person than her. Just your head high and keep going; I know you'll be okay.

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TriangularLizard [2016-08-31 22:04:21 +0000 UTC]

ow,, that must hurt your heart

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SmolGayTrashTM [2016-08-31 22:01:56 +0000 UTC]

         

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usoutlaw [2016-08-31 21:41:10 +0000 UTC]

I'm sorry you had to grow up with that kind of life. mothers are meant to protect you and keep you safe. not torment you. i truly hope that you find some one that makes you happy some day.

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