Despite My Odds

A Memoir

By: Denise Monique

Narrated by: Xenia Willacey

Layla spent the first eight years of her life in a loving home with her grandparents. That comfort all ended once welfare caught up with her mother, who was still receiving food benefits for her. After moving to her mother's home, the dysfunctional relationships continued for years. Layla was abused emotionally, physically, and sexually. She looked to her mother for love and protection, but never found it. Layla’s mom, Val, often told her she looked like a boy and would never amount to anything, just like her dad. Layla began connecting with the wrong men for what she thought was love. Several of those relationships produced children and ended just as quickly as they began. A life full of low self-esteem, promiscuity, and one bad relationship after another continued until finally, she had enough. Layla sought to take her power back from all those that had taken advantage of her.

This story will inspire you to look within for the strength to push forward. Life does not come with a road map, and sometimes, we fail miserably. But even with the vicissitudes, we can pick up our pieces and rise above it all.

©2020 Denise Monique (P)2021 Denise Monique