I had my first baby when I was 16. I was forced to give her up for adoption. My dad was bringing up me and my 3 brothers alone after my mum passed when I was 12. Dad said if I didn't give baby up then I wasn't welcome home. I begged him. The dad denied baby was his. There was nobody else.
I left and took baby with me. For 3 days we wondered the streets, sleeping in the park. Baby wouldn't stop crying. I knew she was hungry. My milk had come in but I didn't know what I was doing.
So I went home and told dad I couldn't cope. Please dad, help me. Let me keep her. No. He arranged for her to be taken into care.
I don't recall much after that. I remember a lady taking her. The next few weeks were a blur. I tried to kill myself. Ended up being sectioned for 5 months. Dad came to see me one day. He said he was sorry, he shouldn't have made me give her up. Seeing me almost die made him realise how I felt. He said we'll get her back. It was too late. She was adopted.
Today she is 21. My darling daughter, I'm sorry. I hope you are happy and have had a wonderful life so far. I wish you were with me.