Burton Cottage

“I figured it was my fault that my parents didn’t stay together,” Alicia admits. Today, support and love from her houseparents help her enjoy life again. That wasn’t always the case for this spirited young lady

The oldest of four, Alicia watched her parents argue almost daily. She cried into her pillow, wishing the harsh words and loud voices would stop and they could be a happy family again.

When her parents announced the divorce, Alicia believed it was her fault. If only she had been a better child, not complained about her chores and made better grades at school, her parents would stay together. As a result, she had to grow up fast to help raise her younger brothers.

“ I didn’t have a childhood,” she says. “My mom had to work all the time. So it was up to me to clean the house; cook; get my little brothers to do their homework and take their baths; go to the corner store and do the laundry.”

Working through the guilt she imposed on herself over the divorce, she quickly admits she only wanted to make her mom happy. “It was never good enough.” Eventually, Alicia stopped trying and their relationship crumbled.

Then, Alicia came to Mount Dora Children’s Home. She was encouraged to recapture her own childhood and enjoy growing up. Alicia’s cheerful personality returned, her grades improved and, through counseling, she finally accepted her innocence over the divorce of her parents.

Today, beyond her bedroom door, music thumps in the background. When you enter her room, laughter greets you as Alicia and Heather avidly talk about boys, school and life in general while thumbing through a favorite magazine. She readily flashes a dazzling smile, knowing a bright future awaits as she embraces the peace found here.

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