As a mother, your goal in life is to protect your child. It doesn't matter how old they get, you worry about them constantly. One of the hardest things is realising you are helpless, that nothing you can do will save them. That’s how I felt time and time again with my daughter, Vanessa. I tried desperately to free her from the clutches of her abusive boyfriend. ‘He’s going to kill you,’ I’d warned tearfully. I made every attempt possible – yet, like most domestic violence victims, Vanessa had felt trapped by her abuser and nothing I said could make her see the awful truth about her situation.
Vanessa and my younger daughter, Natalie, were born a year apart, and were inseparable growing up. At 17, Vanessa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, where the immune system gets confused and attacks the nerve cells. Despite it causing problems with her balance and restricting mobility in her limbs, Vanessa had always been strong-willed, and was determined to live a normal life.
‘Natalie and I are moving in together,’ she announced at 18. And while they were still teenagers and I worried, I was proud of their bond and independence.
Years passed, Vanessa picked up odd jobs, while Natalie married, had kids. It was lovely seeing my girls go out into the world and find happiness, so when Vanessa met a boyfriend, and had Julius, at 30, I was thrilled. Only, by the time Julius was two, Vanessa was a single mum, and struggling with her MS, which affected her decision making. Some days, she couldn’t get out of bed, so I took in Julius full time. ‘You can see him whenever you want,’ I promised.
Vulnerable nature
Denne historien er fra January 12, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 12, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories