On this episode of "Memory Lane" I speak to Ellie, a girl who opens up about her difficult father-daughter relationship. This relationship, plagued by abuse, addiction, & poor decision making, has in some senses defined her life. We start with a very vivid memory Ellie begins to explain, but cannot bring herself to finish. After she composes herself, and chooses a new memory we end up talking about her father once again.

Ellie recounts an injury her father sustained while under the influence and what her thoughts were at the time. As the conversation moves on, she connects this to her general thoughts about her father, memories of how her family was harmed by his addiction, & the various issues she now deals with.

Her father's volatile behaviour, and denigration of her & her mother left Ellie doubting herself and feeling like she deserved the abuse at times. She expressed that she has a strong dream, but does not know if she will be able to rise to accept the mantle of her destiny.

'They don't know how much pressure I am under,' she says about her family & neighbours, who are all expecting her to be 'perfect.' Ellie ruminates about how this pressure effects her, but also how she is different than her father. She reveals some of her worst fears, but also her father's worst features & beliefs. 

Ellie's is a story of abuse, conflict, addiction, faith, & ultimately worry in the face of an uncertain future. I am sure anybody could find something in common with this young girl, who has faced so much adversity in her life.

Memory Lane -- Ellie

Jakob Kesava Moscow