Day Forty One

Sandra

One of my new neighbours. I have been privileged enough to hear peoples personal stories, some of which have been very sad indeed. Sandra’s story is slightly different.

Sandra is originally from New York. When she was 12yrs old her mum sent to Liberia to live with her dad. For her first month in the country she did not leave her house. Something I can fully understand. Liberia must have been a very scary place for 12yr old who did not know anyone. Since arriving in Liberia she has not attended school. Her mother has sent money for her school fees, but her dad just takes the cash for himself. She lives with her aunty and all her sons and daughters, all whom go to school.

Sandra is 16 now, and is eight months pregnant. She turned to boys to try and find some comfort in her surroundings. Now her family make fun of her because she doesn’t go to school and is pregnant. She hates the baby inside her and does not want it. She has asked her mum to be able to go back home to the States, but her mum has not agreed.

My heart goes out to her. I know that she likes to talk to me about all things of her past back home, but at the same time she gets terribly upset and quite often ends up tears. I hope that her child, she is having a little girl, can bring some new found love into her life.