“When I was your age Kailey, holidays and my own birthday were never acknowledged.”

When my mom told me that, it was like seeing a different side to her; the shock slowly made its way through me. I didn’t know yet that my mom didn’t get to experience the joy that her own children got to enjoy.

“My parents were Jehovah witnesses and so was I. It was depressing and I was limited with my freedom until I got older. I chose to become disfellowshipped and I lost the connections I once had with my family and friends.”

I may never understand what my mom went through but I could hear and see her sadness, a sadness that was hidden away like an unopened present.

“I’m just glad that you get to experience a happier childhood than I did Kailey.”