The ManicaPost
Tete Barbara From My Heart
From My Heart is a platform created for you to share your issues and get practical assistance. Together we can create brighter lives and happier people, transforming mindsets one day at a time. Send your heart to heart message to Tete Barbara and read her responses.
DEAR TETE
I am a 22-year-old lady with a beautiful five-year-old daughter. I met her father when I was just 14 and he swept me off my feet. Being an orphan made it easier for me to date an older man because I was a burden to my guardian.
When my parents died, I was left in the care of her sister who was already suffering with her own issues. My aunt never showed me that I was too much for her, but I could tell that my presence caused her much suffering.
Several times I watched how she cried after her husband beat her for buying cheap clothes for me. He was a drunkard who never worried about what we heard as children.
I recall how he once asked my aunt to send me away because I was the daughter of a useless prostitute. I then decided to fend for myself and help ease her pain by accepting to court a man who was older than me. The man who took care of me passed away last week of suspected HIV and I am now scared. What if my daughter and I are also infected?
Tete Barbara Responds
You had a difficult life in a difficult environment and you made a wrong choice. Let your story be a lesson to other young girls. Tough times do not kill, rough times refine you and mistakes are a part of life.
Everyday children are subjected to terrible acts of violence perpetrated by adults who fuel a vicious cycle of abuse. I am sorry that you are one who was victimised, but remember, you are a survivor! You were young and confused not wanting to be a burden to your aunt you did what you thought was best.
That adult man did not play his role as an adult, instead he took advantage of you. It is sad that no one saved you from him.
However, you now have a daughter to whom you must be committed to raising right. Protect, love and provide for her. Go for counselling and testing to find out your status. When you know, go and live a happy, fruitful and vibrant life. HIV is not the end of life.
Strong Girl!
