A Child Called "It" (Dave Pelzer, #1)

by Dave Pelzer

Father was my only hope, and he did all he could to sneak me scraps of food.

But all his attempts were useless.

She had drained me emotionally and physically. I didn’t know what she had planned. I simply wished Mother would beat me and get it over with.

Father stood lifeless as Mother fed me another dose of ammonia.

I knew it was an accident. I wanted Mother to know that I forgave her, but I felt too faint to speak.

I was still the bastard of the family.

I hated him so much for running out on his family. But perhaps even more, I was jealous of him, for he had escaped and I had not. I still had to live with Mother.

I made sure I let go of my past, accepting the fact that that part of my life was only a small fraction of my life. I knew the black hole was out there, waiting to suck me in and forever control my destiny—but only if I let it. I took positive control over my life.

Instead of dwelling on the past, I maintained the same focus that I had taught myself years ago in the garage, knowing the good Lord was always over

my shoulder, giving me quiet encouragement and strength when I needed it most.

I enlisted in the United States Air Force, discovering historical values and an instilled sense of pride and belonging that until then, I had never known. After years of struggle, my purpose became clear; for above all, I came to realize that America was truly the land where one could come from less than humble beginnings, to become a winner from within.

Because of the darkness in my childhood, I have a deep appreciation for life. I was fortunate enough to turn tragedy into triumph. This is my story.