Definitioin of Neglect

Neglect is most often frowned upon right? Or, is it always? I beg to differ. The word neglect indirectly yet directly saved my life. That makes it a good thing, right? What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word neglect? You might be thinking starving puppies, or leaving a baby in a locked car. Well, those were two among the most common responses when I surveyed somewhere around fifty people. The first thing that comes to my mind is... well actually, there are multiple things that come to my mind when I hear this word. Words and phrases like- my childhood, biological parents, adoptions, drugs, truancy, home alone, lonely, pain, character build-up, survival, and strength, but most importantly, redirection- cross my mind.

You are probably wondering how on Earth neglect could of possibly saved my life, huh? Well, I will get to that, but first, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Kiani and I am sixteen years old. I have endured struggles most people only hear about through movies or books. Growing up until, about age ten, I had one brother and one sister. We lived with my biological mother, and my father was in prison, which is where he remains to this day. As I grew older, and older, things started to change for my family. My mom wasn't around as much, and we all did our own thing. Before I was even ten, I had lived in eleven different states. How did I maintain my schooling? It was hard. I went to a different school every year all the way through the first year of high school, but that is besides the point.

When I turned ten, my family and I moved to lincoln, Nebraska. At first, it was good. As time went by, my mother started to fall apart. I began to notice something different. I wasn't quite sure what it was, but I knew she had changed, and not for the better. In fifth grade, my family lived in two different locations around lincoln. The second one was supposed to be our home. At least thats what my mom said. The thought of that didn't last very long. We got evicted, and were forced to move into the People's City Mission on West "O". After that move, absolutely everything in my life changed. My mom became even more distant, and my siblings and I grew up even more.

As my life was in downward spiral toward nowhere known to me, more and more just kept being added on to the u-haul dragging my life along behind it.

After some time, I was placed in foster care. I was moved to 17 different foster home and three group homes. Moving around so much was hard. That is to say the least.

May 21, 2010 I moved in with the Schultz family, whom later became my adoptive family. They are my God sent. If my biological mother had never neglected me, I wouldn't be where I am today. I have five brothers, two loving parents, and an AMAZING family. I could never as for more, and it's