Focus on Amy A.
My name is Amy A.
Hey everybody. My name is Amy A. At least thats what everyone called me. I went to school with probably 8 different Amy's, so I got used to being Amy A. A little bit about me. I'm 24 years old and just returned to college after working for the last 6 years since I graduated high-school. I have a single child named Margaret Elisabeth Marie A. or Maggie. Maggie is almost 9 years old and the light of my life.
How It All Began
I was a great student, never got in trouble in school, never failed a test. My parents were proud of me and I enjoyed being me. I wasn't popular, but I had friends. Then one day I got in trouble. Literally. I got in a fight with a girl in my gym class and somehow it became physical. The other girl was a trouble-maker and was suspended, but since I had no history I was given a week's detention.I arrived to detention and was surprised when our teacher closed and locked the door to the PE office where my detention was being served, I was even more surprised when the teacher that I had trusted came up behind me and gagged me, throwing me to the ground and raping me. Once it was done threats were made and he left me alone. I sat and cried for what seemed like hours (it was probably only a few minutes). Then I immediately went to the office where I told my story and showed the tears in my shirt and the marks where bruises would soon appear. I was then taken to the hospital, given a rape kit, plan B, and sent home.
The News
Following the rape I was a nervous wreck. I became terrified of being alone with anyone, and began showing signs of depression. The teacher who had raped me had been released from jail within a few days and the defense was placing the blame on me, saying I had teased him and "asked for it". When my period was late I didn't even think of it, I chalked it up to stress and ignored my nagging thoughts. Then the nausea and sensitivity arrived and still I ignored the symptoms. Finally my mother took me to our family doctor who confirmed what I knew couldn't be true. I was pregnant by my rapist.
The Decision that Changed my Life
I had always been pro-choice and had said that if I were to be raped I would have an abortion, I wouldn't be able to face that child. Well it happened, I was raped, and I made the appointment. My parents supported me and came with me to the clinic. We went inside, sat down, and waited. We filled out some paperwork and waited some more. Then it was time to go back. I couldn't do it, I apologised and ran out of the building and down to our car. My parents followed me down and hugged me, it was then that I knew everything would be okay. Maggie was born November 21st 1997 weighing 9 pounds 3 ounces and looking so much like the one person I hated. But it has never affected how much I love my baby. I would never change my decision for the world.
I Was 15, Now I'm 24
I was 15 when I gave birth to Maggie. I had a lot of help from family and friends, and without them I never could have made it through. I finished high school and went to work at McDonalds to save money for my future. I worked at miscellaneous places until this past September when I finally returned to school to become a teacher. Maggie is proud of me, and I am proud of myself. It has been extremely difficult, but I couldn't be more grateful that I did it.
It Was Great Until
I admit it was hard, I worked alot of crappy jobs to support Maggie and myself, but I did it and we were happy. At least until I got the phone call. It was just following Maggie's 7th birthday when it happened, I answered the phone to her "Sperm Donor's" lawyer, requesting a visit with Maggie. It went to court and DNA tests were done, I was given no choice but to allow him a supervised visitation. The day came and I took her to the visit and he was there staring at me face to face. Maggie was nervous and he was more intent on staring at me than easing her comfort. Then he attacked me. It was as if he suddenly exploded inside his brain and he attacked both Maggie and myself. He will never see her again, and we're glad. Maggie knows that he was not cut out to be a father. I try to avoid the subject but my little girl knows and hurts because of him. But I know I'm better, I'm a mother and a father, we are a pair, and we are happy without worries of him ever coming back into our lives.
It's Not Over
Maggie and I are happy - I feel the need to enforce this. I have days where I feel angry and bitter regarding how anybody can treat another human with such cruelty, but the days are few and far between. My story is not over, Maggie's story is not over, but for now we're happy and hope to keep it that way.