Why Me?

By Debra Turner-Ray

The story of substance abuse and domestic violence as they came together and how I survived.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Debra Turner-Ray
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005527877

Debra Turner-Ray

Debra Turner-Ray was raised on the Southside of Chicago in the Chatham area. Where she attended school in the Chicago Public School system. Graduated from Emil G. Hirsch High School, from there I went to Lincoln University in Jefferson City Mo., then Olive-Harvey Jr. College. Realizing at that time that I was more of a hands on person than a textbook person.I am a published author. It is an inspirational poetry book titled To Whom It May Concern, That can be found on Amazon.com. I have also written 3 plays, where 2 of them have already been done as fundraisers for the church. I am waiting for the pandemic to get to a point where my 3rd production can be seen. It is a play about Domestic Violence and how to become a survivor. I am also working on a memoir book about my family on my mother’s side. Hopefully, this book will be handed down from generation to generation. I am also a business owner of the5talents.com where I write Personalized Poetry for all occasions eg. Birthdays, Obituaries, Anniversaries, and all occasions. I am also working on a clothing line.

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Copyright © 2020 by Debra Turner-Ray

All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. All characters in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated first and foremost to God, who is truly the head of my life. He has never left me or forsaken me, even when I was in my mess. This book is also dedicated to the countless women who have suffered at the hand of their abusers. Whether it’s physical, mental, verbal, or spiritual, abuse is abuse. Don’t get me wrong I know that men have also been abused at the hand of their partner. I can only speak candidly about what happened to me. Always know that there is help for everybody. I would also like to thank my family and friends for being my biggest cheerleaders.

I love all of you to life.

INTRODUCTION

I pondered for a while wondering if I was ready to tell certain parts of my life. Some of them have never been told until now. I am grateful for everything that has happened to me in the past and the present. I used to say I’m like a duck and I just let mess and confusion roll off my back, like a duck with water.

I never knew that I would ever write a book or books. I suffered from low self-esteem, and sometimes depression. I didn’t know my worth. I still have my moments. What I think about is God said if you keep your mind on me you will have perfect peace. This is what keeps me going. The coronavirus has helped me to stir up my gifts.

I have started a company called The 5 Talents. I have written poetry for obituaries, weddings, and anniversaries. I have written plays for fundraisers, if you supply the actors, I will supply the play. My sister in law said when I write that it's my love affair with God. He truly ministers to me when I write. I hope that my story will help at least one person. I would like them to know that you don’t have to stay where you are being abused. There are shelters and organizations that are willing to help. I hope you enjoy my story and BE BLESSED.

THE BEGINNING

Once upon a time in a land far, far away. WAIT A MINUTE!!! THAT’S HOW FAIRYTALES START OFF AND THIS AIN’T THAT KIND OF STORY. So strap on your boots cause here we go!!! Hope you can handle the truth.

When you come into this world, that should be a joyous occasion. To be honest this is truly the beginning of self-worth. Well, granny said that can’t be my son’s child, cause mama was out partying too much. Oh well granny jokes on you, HE IS THE PAPPY!!! This is the first story that should have never been told.

Coming from a two-parent home with three kids and you’re the middle child who should have been named Cinderella. Your list of chores was endless. You cooked and cleaned every since you were nine years old. Thank God for your friend who would come and help you clean so you could go outside and play. I’m grateful for her friendship. People would always say oh Deb got issues, or she is just crazy. That’s not it, I was looking for where I fit in, I wasn’t the oldest and I wasn’t the youngest. Being told you were an accident was the second story that should have not been told. So if I’m keeping score, self-esteem =0 and confidence=0.

West side of Chicago where people are real and no false flagging. What you see is what you get. They call a spade a spade. Playing double dutch, jacks hopscotch, and the occasional fight. Remember the baddest one hit my hand or step across this line. There is always one in the bunch, saying you know you are scared, you too yellow. Well, there is another blow to