Chapter 118: From Start to Now

Sharon's Story.

Sharon's emergence into the world was with a weight heavier than her fragile frame could bear. On a bitterly cold winter night in Galena, Illinois, her existence began on the steps of a weathered church.

Abandoned at birth and unwanted by those who should have cradled her with love. She was left to face the biting chill of solitude, an unwelcome bundle left in the shadows.

A depiction of a heartless reality.

Against the odds, her survival seemed nothing short of a miracle as she overcame the harsh elements, but the warmth of love and belonging remained elusive.

As the icy winds whispered tales of hopelessness, little did she know that destiny had etched a path, promising unexpected turns that would thaw the frostiness of her future.

There was no note. Just a locket with a picture in it. 

In the dimly lit photograph, was a mysterious looking blonde teenage girl. Her striking eyes seem to hold a world of secrets, reflecting sorrow and resilience. Tendrils of her golden hair cascaded gently down her shoulders, adding to the air of mystery that surrounds her.

Cladded in a simple, loose fitting white blouse, she stood with a sense of vulnerability, as if trying to hide from the world. There was a soft glow on her face, intensifying the enigma that surrounded her story.

Her lips formed a delicate line, betraying no emotions, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

In the background, there was a glimpse of a deserted alley, adding to the feeling of isolation and secrecy.

The photograph captured a fleeting moment of vulnerability and strength, leaving one to wonder about the girl's journey.

Sharon had stared at that haunting image a thousand times, the mysterious blonde teenage girl became a symbol of the complexities of her life, and the difficult choices she sometimes had to make in pursuit of a better future for herself. 

From a very young age, Sharon felt really hopeless about the future, like a dim light far away, casting a shadow of despair around her heart.

Little did she know, destiny had surprises that would bring light to the darkest corners of her life.

She began her journey through life with the weight of neglect and uncertainty.

She had known nothing but hardship and struggle since she was left by those stairs. She found herself thrust into a world that showed her little love or compassion.

The first few years of her life were spent jumping from one foster home to the next, never having the chance to truly settle down.

She adopted Waters as her surname because, like the liquid, she had been everywhere.

Growing up in the system was an immensely distressing and emotionally traumatic experience for her. The sense of instability and rejection deeply affected her emotional well being and overall development. 

In the ebb and flow from one adoption home to another made her feel dejected and rejected.

Unfortunately, she internalized these experiences, believing that something was fundamentally wrong with her, leading to low self esteem and self worth issues for her.

Being unable to live in a permanent home, made her believe that no one wanted her, leading to feelings of unworthiness and emotional pain.

Each move signified another loss in her life, the loss of friends, caregivers, familiar surroundings, and routine. This accumulation of losses led to unresolved grief, making it harder for her to process emotions in a healthy way.

She was desperate for stability, even more so, love. A love so true that it will transcend all seasons and last a lifetime.

Her teenage years turned out to be the most challenging. Prospective adoptive parents often overlooked older children, leaving the state to assign them to designated homes.

Running away never crossed her mind; not only did she lack a destination, but the prospect of subjecting herself to the harsh realities of the vast and unforgiving world deterred her.

Assuming a quiet demeanor, she spoke sparingly and listened intently, avoiding any unnecessary attention.

In moments of uncertainty, she grappled with the unsettling questions: Who would come to her aid if she found herself in trouble? Who would be her support system in times of need?

She carefully orchestrated her actions to avoid the pitfalls that lurked in the unpredictable world she inhabited.

In the constant changing scenes of shifting foster homes, she has no choice but to maneuver through life with a quiet strength.

Sharon found solace in the refuge of books, immersing herself in a world where characters faced challenges much like her own.

Despite the instability, she embraced education as a constant, relishing in the sanctuary and forging a path toward stability through education.

She poured her energy into striving to elevate herself amidst adversity.

With a backpack filled with textbooks as her companion, sailed through the challenges of adolescence, finding peace in the steady rhythm of her academic pursuits.

Throughout it all, she mastered the delicate act of staying out of trouble, her level headed approach and resilience, a shield against the cruelty of the world.

All was well and good, until Nicole came along.