Carla (25) is a woman of passion and drive. From a life of teenage angst to a life of devotion and motherhood. This is her story.
Childhood: Rebel WITH a Cause
Carla grew up in a happy home with loving and supportive parents. She was placed in a private Jewish primary school, a school that should offer acceptance and kindness amongst its pupils. This however, was not Carla’s experience. She found it difficult to survive the maliciousness of other girls. Being friends with mostly boys, she was tossed aside and teased by the girls.
In her final year of primary school, Carla decided (subconsciously of course) to rebel against the system in her own way. She began a path of self-destruction. At the tender age of 12 she developed an eating disorder – Bulimia Nervosa. This is most common amongst angsty teens, but for a young, pained child it seemed her only escape.
Bulimia followed Carla until Grade 8 when she entered another private Jewish school, where her angst would only be magnified. But Carla took initiative and got kicked out. But how she got expelled proves her immense kindness and heart. She took the blame for two of her friends so that they would avoid the wrath of their parents. Carla left the school happily.
Growing Up Carla
At the age of 16 Carla made the choice to leave school and study hair and makeup. She also found herself running with a bad crowd and was influenced by them, as teenagers do.
Then at the age of 17 Carla met a guy who would become her boyfriend for two and a half years. And at the age of 19, she fell pregnant. For a girl, in the prime of her life, a choice would have been abortion. But Carla, strong in her convictions, refused to take that route.
Now, growing up in a closed community from primary school to high school, a community where just about everyone knows your name, Carla was immediately judged. Of course, her parents were shocked too, but their support was enormous. Carla held her head high and knew in her soul that this was the best choice of her life. It was now time for Carla to find Carla again.
Tough Pregnancy, Strong Woman
Then something horrific happened when Carla found danger at her doorstep. She was 32 weeks pregnant when her house was broken into. Searching for a way to save herself, she barricaded herself in the bathroom.
Because of the fear she felt for her unborn child’s life, and the consuming anxiety of the moment, she fell into premature labour. Once the thieves had left the house she was rushed to hospital and immediately given doses of Iprodol to stop her contractions. She spent eight weeks in and out of hospital, in which time she had to take a pill every four hours.
Surviving the trauma of the situation, Carla fell into full on labour. She was ready to give birth naturally when it was discovered that her child’s heart was in deep distress. An emergency C-section took place and Carla gave birth to a 2,5kg baby boy – Devin. Her miracle child.
When he was two months old, Carla and her boyfriend split, but still remain friends. He also plays an active role in Devin’s life.
A New Start – Love and Life
Carla’s life was now all about that of her child’s. She left her bad influences in the past and was ready to take on the future. A bright, warm and loving future. Her parents became her rock, supporting her and guiding her, doting on their grandson and consumed with pride for their brave daughter.
As the positive energy grew, Carla met a man. Devin was five and a half month and her new boyfriend completely embraced him and adored Carla – and still does. All her life Carla found herself in toxic relationships and now she has a boyfriend who is growing with her and experiencing life with her and her wonderful son.
Today Carla has taken on an amazing job, which promises a great future for her and her family. Yes, she faces challenges in her new work environment, but if there is one thing we know about Carla; she is a fighter, a survivor and a woman who will manifest success. An inspirational female.
