Podcast Summary: "Sexually Assaulted by my Adoption Father"

Podcast Information:

• Title: We're All Insane
• Host/Author: Devorah Roloff
• Description: A guest-based podcast centered around the lives, experiences, and difficult traumas of real-life individuals.
• Episode Title: Sexually Assaulted by my Adoption Father
• Release Date: December 16, 2024

1. Introduction to Elizabeth’s Story

Elizabeth, a 28-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas, shares her harrowing journey through a tumultuous childhood marked by trauma, abuse, and the complexities of the foster care and adoption systems. The episode delves deep into her experiences, shedding light on the resilience required to overcome such adversities.

2. Early Childhood and Family Dynamics

Elizabeth recounts her early years living with her biological mother, Amber, until the age of four. Her father was absent from her life, and Elizabeth only recently obtained her Child Protective Services (CPS) case from when she was four years old.

Elizabeth (00:35): “Some of my earliest memories are from living with my biological mother. Her name is Amber. And my father, I don't really know his real name.”

3. Living with Grandparents and Introduction to Terry

At around three and a half years old, Elizabeth began alternating her living situation between her mother and grandparents. During this period, she also lived with a woman named Terry, who had adopted one of Elizabeth's biological siblings, Bri.

Elizabeth describes an unsettling incident involving Terry, where she was given sleeping pills by her mother to conceal substance abuse.

Elizabeth (02:45): “Terry wanted to adopt me. She had looked up like lawyers, you know, and sought legal aid for that. But ultimately, they said there was nothing that she could do because there was really no proof of anything.”

4. Traumatic Incident and CPS Intervention

At the age of four, Elizabeth experienced a traumatic event when her mother left her with three men under the guise of buying a birthday cake. This led to a sexual assault exam and her subsequent placement in foster care, though she does not remember much from this time.

Elizabeth (05:00): “I remember being three men. I remember her saying she was going to bring me a cake. She didn't come back. And I don't remember bits and parts of the rest of it.”

5. Abuse by Tim and Sexual Assault

Elizabeth details her experience living with her grandparents until she was seven, during which time her grandfather, a member of a biker club, became her primary father figure. An abusive relationship with Tim, her grandfather's associate, culminated in sexual assault during her adolescence.

Elizabeth (15:05): “Tim took me to Jack in a Box, rented a movie, started massaging me… I snapped out of it and realized what was happening.”

6. Impact on Mental Health

The abuse left Elizabeth struggling with bulimia, self-harm, and rebellious behavior. Her relationship with Lisa, Tim’s partner, became strained as Elizabeth blamed her for failing to protect her.

Elizabeth (20:02): “I took that out on Lisa because it was her job to protect me. I felt like she couldn't prevent what happened.”

7. Intervention and Foster Care Transition

Following a severe incident of self-harm and a failed suicide attempt, Elizabeth was sent to a homeless shelter for at-risk youth at age 15. This period was marked by further instability and heartbreak, including the untimely death of her grandfather.

Elizabeth (23:59): “I was 15. She sent me to a homeless shelter for at-risk youth.”

8. Reconnecting with Siblings and Adoption by Michelle and Brandon

During her time at the Methodist Children's Home in Waco, Texas, Elizabeth reconnected with her biological sister, Michelle. This reconnection led to her adoption by Michelle and Brandon, providing her with a stable and loving family environment.

Elizabeth (35:56): “Michelle and Brandon have really good friends, and we called them the Grimes. They wanted Romeo from the very beginning.”

9. Further Family Tragedies and Struggles

Elizabeth faced additional trauma with the death of her biological mother due to substance abuse. This loss further strained her mental health, leading to increased substance use and relational struggles.

Elizabeth (43:41): “Her name is Michelle. I had to navigate her funeral at 22, feeling unprepared and overwhelmed.”

10. Therapy and Path to Healing

Acknowledging her spiraling mental health, Elizabeth sought therapy, which became instrumental in her healing process. With the support of her therapist, Terry, and her adoptive family, Elizabeth began to overcome her past traumas.

Elizabeth (47:00): “Ms. Corsi gave me all the tools I needed, and I still talk to her to this day.”

11. Current Life and Future Aspirations

Now in a stable relationship, Elizabeth focuses on being a healthy partner and stepmother to her adopted daughter's daughter. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of trauma and setting a positive example for her biological siblings.

Elizabeth (54:10): “I'm just navigating stepmom life and healthy parenting, trying to be everything that I never had.”

12. Reflections on Resilience and Growth

Throughout the conversation, Elizabeth reflects on her strength and determination to change her life's trajectory. She highlights the significance of seeking help, being honest in therapy, and the continuous journey of healing.

Elizabeth (55:36): “I realized I was doing the same things as my mom. It was a slap in the face, like, hey, girl, you're no better.”

Notable Quotes

• Elizabeth on CPS Delay:

  “So it took that long... and is there a reason for that? Is it just the system?”
  [00:35]

• Elizabeth on Abuse and Accountability:

  “He shattered that trust I had in him as a father figure.”
  [20:13]

• Elizabeth on Healing:

  “I never wanted to go down this path, but I decided to open up and be honest.”
  [50:46]

• Host’s Encouragement:

  “Coming on here and willing to be vulnerable and open up about your story... takes a lot of courage.”
  [55:56]

Conclusion

Elizabeth's story is a poignant testament to the enduring human spirit's capacity to overcome profound adversity. Her journey from a childhood marred by abuse and instability to a place of healing and purposeful living offers invaluable insights into the importance of support systems, therapeutic intervention, and personal resilience. Through sharing her experiences, Elizabeth not only sheds light on systemic issues within child protective services and foster care but also inspires listeners to find strength in their own paths to recovery.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content segments, focusing solely on the substantive discussion between Elizabeth and the host.