I am but one individual... one voice... one spirit... who was removed from my native family in 1966 and grew up in a foreign land, amongst people I never came to know where I was abused sexually, physically and emotionally. At 16 I ran away and spent two years living on the streets, working odd jobs until I could manage to get something steady where I could get an apartment. Later I was able to go to night school and get my high school diploma which eventually allowed me to go to university where I balanced my schedule so I could work full time and attend school full time. Not knowing the system and too young to understand what had happened to me I just got on with life. I never took assistance of any kind from the government and have always done what I can to give back to others; e.g. volunteering. Early this year I became aware of the sixties scoop in the news and realized this meant me. And so today alone I cry many tears for all that I lost.. a mother, a home, my dignity, my life.