It never seems to fail that when you scratch the surface of an addict, you find a beautiful person with horrific scarring in which drugs have proved to be a very inefficient bandage.
Well said. Being an alcoholic I sometimes I wonder if one of the reasons I was able to quit drinking is because I had a good childhood. Stable middle-class family. If my background was closer to Sonya's I have doubts that I'd still be alive.
Fucking hate all the idiot conservatives who blame everything on the homeless, addicts, minorities, etc... but never have the intellect to look at thr ruling class who have created this nightmare of a dystopia
@@user-rb7ns9yj5y Two wings on the same bird. Don't be too quick to assume someone as "the bad guys"...they're all doing damage, some unseen and some in the public eye. If you start digging you will see. 2 wings on the same bird.
@@user-rb7ns9yj5y Hates a strong word. Weird how all the Liberal cities have the worst homeless problems and drug issues? Yet you hate conservatives who literally only blame Government/Politicians and Corporations
This girl is an addict for survival. She didn't deserve any of the awful things that happened to her. Makes me realize, even with my "rough" childhood, just how privileged I am and how much worse it could have been. Really grateful for that. Don't judge a book on its cover. I wish her happiness
I mean there are bad childhoolds and then there are horrific childhoods. Always good to look on the brighter side of life and be thankful of what you have!
Same. And I want to jerk a knot in her mama's neck. That level of cruelty is astounding to me. Sonya, if you're reading this, God bless you. You're in my prayers, sweetheart.
Well said! She went straight to my heart. I found it impossible to watch this, without crying! She deserves better than the life she is living now. I`m so hoping for something good to happen to her soon.
Please do a update ... I wish I could help her.... she had such a shit upbringing.... I'm a father and sexual abusing your own child is fucn sick.. murders and child sex offenders deserve a firing squad.
Dude, this one was too much... It's hard for me to imagine a person that has been exposed to heavy drugs, extreme violence, street life and abused in every way possible since birth, and even worse: not having a single person in this world to rely on, completely by herself, without any love and care. No wonder she's an addict. It's just hard to imagine, It's not fair. I hope at least she gets a break, getting out of the streets, and try to get her life back. Sonya: I hug you and wish you the very very best.
But she did have people...choices. We as mothers sometimes have to emotionally detach from our drug addicted children to save ourselves...and their children.
You can not say "it's not fair" when you have not seen this womans whole story, as It is still unfolding because she is alive. If you were able to see the beginning of time to the end, start to finish, I believe you would not say "it's not fair".
@@donnaradney2743 you really can't be saying that she had her mother looking out for her? What choice did she have when she was being raped by her father and being put into foster care? Her mother was an addict herself. She didn't have a childhood, she wasn't protected and nurtured by the very woman her birthed her. Do you actually think you could go it alone with nobody who cared for you? Maybe you should leave your judgements at the door until you have walked a day in her shoes
I don't think a person can be considered self-destructive if they've never even had a chance to do anything with their life from the start. She deserved and deserves so much more
The people judging her weren't raped as a child by their frigging father. I can't even imagine. My trauma is so much less and that shit screwed up my whole life
When she said her biggest fear is dying and having nobody to notice and come find her, that broke my heart. Everybody deserves to be missed, even if it's just by one person.
She would be missed by her 4 kids. Ever notice no matter how bad your parents were you just wanted their love and attention, that's all her kids want, they would forgive everything she did if she said she was sorry and worked on changing for the better. Her kids may have family to take care of them but that will never fill the mom void, they will spend their entire life thinking they weren't good enough for their mom
I'm a grown ass man and this damn near broke me. How could one person be forced to endure so much in such a short lifetime. That shit's not fair... What a strong human being.
And there are worse ways people endure the life forced on them just by chance Some are dead by 3 just from starvation And there government doesn't care. There are very cruel.places in this world
It affected me too she’s inspiring, too inspiring, sometimes people just finally need a break, period. And she keeps going, she isn’t entitled even though I believe her to be one of the most deserving people I’ve seen
Ma'am, you giving your children away in order for them to have a better future, is the strongest and most selfless thing you could do. My absolute respect.
This is the only interview I’ve cried over. When she spoke of her kids, letting them decide when to reach out to her.. She’s putting them first, and that’s a GOOD mom. I hope they’re having a good life with the family that has them.
It is a tall order for this woman to have a "normal" life when it seems she has never had a normal day. She doesn't know what normal is. Despite her tragic history her outlook and awareness is remarkable.
@@miked9466 "Normal" may represent something different to everyone, but whatever "normal" is.. it's definitely not being raped by your dad, or sister killing your baby..
Meth is one hell of a drug. I noticed meth heads to be the most articulate when it comes to the gift of the gab and being sharp and witty. But meth will take u down. When ? Only God knows.
The words “my sister was raped” and “my son was beaten by her at 3” could never come out of my mouth. I don’t know how she’s still standing. I couldn’t do it. I applaud her for continuing on.
This poor little soul! Brought up in a meth trailer, brutalized by her 'father', mother in denial, then sister kills her little toddler??? She should have had a better life, poor thing. People should never ever judge others who are down on their luck, no one knows the background story. Glad that she got her chance to tell her story, and my prayers are that she finds inner peace and joy in life. She so deserves it.
And the dad only got 21 years. Child molesters need to get life in prison. Hopefully her sister got life in prison for killing the 3 year old boy as well.
This woman is so insanely emotionally intelligent. The fact that she was able to learn from her parents' mistakes in order to make her children's lives better is one of the largest aspects of emotional intelligence. There are far too many people who don't know how to break the cycle, yet this woman did it and has logical reasoning behind it. I hope she's able to find peace in her life.
dude seriously? thats the whole point of life. i was abused on a level at least as bad as her, probably worse, but i am 10 years clean, raise my kids and am an amazing father. ppl make excuses thats the problem. you step the fuck up and do whats right and dont beat and rape your kids, its easy. but all these ppl use past trauma as an excuse, and then we fucking treat em like a hero for nothing. this bitch has done nothing, accomplished nothing we should not praise her. as i said, i went through at least as bad of abuse as a child, i am 10 years sober have full custody own two cars, one sick ass challenger, and i beat fucking stage 3 cancer on top of it all. none of these ppl have been through close to what i been through, or accomplished a fraction of a percent of what i have, yet nobody out here praising me. we must just be built differemt in NY bc we dont praise addicts, even recovering ones. like you got kids your job now is to suck it the fuck up and stop crying about the paST
Who would not be addicted to substances with an upbringing like that. The system completely failed this woman. Still, she is articulate and i am happy she recognises her own potential.
@@trashyraccoon2615 The system is and will always be trash no matter how much money is pumped into it. No one can show a child love like their own parents and a child craves love from their own parents. It's well documented that people who come from a two-parent household are far better off in life in comparison to those who do not. The system is just a backup plan and will always be a farcry in comparison. In this lady's case being raped by her dad beginning at age 3 will have already fucked her up for life. No system can fix that, only that flashy thing from Men In Black that deletes memory. The key is ending the cycle and the fact that this lady has had 5 kids is just perpetuating the problem. The system cannot fix a tidal wave of kids with horrible parents or no parents.
Everyone on hard drugs has some sort of sob story. It's funny how I grew up with a lot of these clowns. A lot of them grew up with middle class families. They use this BS as excuse to continue lying and stealing to get their drugs. It's called manipulation. They're con artists. And this is how these people interact on a daily basis.
It's often really, really hard for people to get help if they don't appear sober & totally coherent. While it's understandable that agencies want that, it's not always realistic.
@@MiddlePath33 it was in response to the comment above. I never said she *should* get help, just gently cautioning the well-intentioned that people typically cannot appear intoxicated when trying to access social services.
this one made me cry... her resilience is incredible. when she said "im not happy with where im at in life, but im happy with who i am" absolutely powerful. such a sad story, and such a strong beautiful woman.
As a social worker that has watched soooo many of your videos (love what you do!) This girl hit me the hardest thus far. She is absolutely a product of her environment. People think if someone doesnt have their kids they are scum. And sometimes I tend to agree I won't lie. But some people know that they arent whats best for their kids. And thats selfless. This woman could have been many things. A mom for sure. She still has a ton of potential. She needs one person to believe in her. She needs therapy and love and some self esteem. She appears intelligent, charismatic and kind despite all that's happened to her. I hope so much that she does turn her life around.
Yeah no excuse…we ALL have a choice, and to bring all those kids in the world, knowing damn well she’s scum..it’s disgusting and inexcusable. People really need to stop praising these people…smh
What she needs is rehab, subsidy, a roof over her head, a meal. Therapy can only come after necessities are met. Repair can only take place one she finds calmness and peace.
Absolutely a selfless act. I regularly think about how my life could have been different if my mom would have done that for me. I think I would have at least had a shot at a less traumatic life, had I been given up. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. That woman ruined me.
Sonya, you are person of value. You matter. The difficulties of your life are not your fault. You are incredibly strong and can one day have a better life. You sure deserve it.
lmao dont kid urself, she dont matter at all. Not every human is meant to be successful, its just nature. You think every single animal out in the wild has a nice life? Same for hunans, were so overpopulated that these people truly dont matter. If she disappeared right now, nobody would even care or know. The thing about the American Dream is that you have to be asleep to believe it.
@@fanlbc she may not matter to you. But she matters to someone else. Just because she holds no value in YOUR life that does not mean she does not JD value. Every life matters in this world just because it indirectly affects you. Every person makes up the world we have today. So yes, she holds value. Maybe not to you but to someone. Imagine you had a family member on the streets and someone tells them they have no value. I'm sure the ppl close to that person would highly disagree.
@@fanlbc The American Dream was actually made up by banks...buy a house so we can make money off of you. Everyone matters. Each of us is part of the big picture. Just her smiling at a stranger could turn their day around.
I used know this woman we were friends both on living on the streets of Lancaster I'm happy to see she finally had a chance to tell her story there's still so much more can't wait to see the follow up .... keep pushing on beautiful ❤️
Wow, she’s insightful, articulate, intelligent, respectful of her kids, her environment, other peoples issues. Such a sad beginning and story. She deserved better
It’s hard not to lose faith in humanity after hearing about the trauma and tragedy people like Sonya have experienced. When I hear people complain of others not being able to pick themselves up from their bootstraps I recommend they watch SWU and hear about the lives of people like Sonya, the people that never had a chance from their start in life. Thank you Mark for highlighting the cycle of abuse that leads to a skid row life.
This woman might be telling the truth but I think a lot of druggies make excuses and invent a bad background to avoid taking responsibility. Its a whole culture problem these days, theres always an excuse for wrongdoers. If my mother or father attempted to molest me, I would not comply. I cant imagine it. I remember when I was little my sister tried to pull my pants down for a joke, and I went nuts. My father had a stern word with her and it never happened again.
Something that troubles me... that everyone knows someone who was molested or raped...but you never really meet the rapists, they're not going to admit to it. They're just roaming the streets if they haven't been caught. Some mf raped their own daughter and nobody would know...That's terrifying
IF they arent left to rot in prison, IF they are returned to society, Im all for branding a big R on each cheek..let the world know who they are..rape is never accidental like a fist fight gone too far or a stupid drunk driving accident. It is ALWAYS intentional. No mercy should be shown but if a rapist is allowed to live they should be known to everyone.
I hope Sonya finds a way into a home, where she can rest her eyes, sleep in a warm bed, feel safe and protected. She is such a loving, kind person and selfless person.
Sonya your story covered me in chills and I cried for the first time watching any of these interviews. I wish you had a PO Box so I could send you silly cards and feminine products etc and stamps so you could mail your kids birthday cards. Trust me, it never hurts to have a mother who loves you - even from a distance while she gets some things sorted out. I love you, babygirl
Same. I would love to help this beautiful lady out even with things like blankets, gift cards, chocolate bars, drawings my kid drew for her, anything to make her feel loved and supported. What could we do?
I never took drugs and always look down on people who do. After this video I begin to realize how much of a bigot I am. I can't even imagine to go through what She went through and live to tell the tail. Thank you for sharing your Story. Thank you for showing me perspective.
*Everyone* is 1 mistake away from drug dependency. Its easy to judge people. Its even easier to *understand* them when you have a glimpse over the fence.
You should be proud of yourself for trying a new perspective on! Please never demean yourself as a bigot. Perhaps you were influenced at one time by bigoted ideas and even bad ideas can make sense under certain circumstances. But this post you made right here, proves that you are not a bigot - you are courageous and you are willing to learn something new and you are here with us to love this sister of ours. You didn’t even stay quiet you came out with a declaration! You’re an example of compassion. I’m really proud of you and I want to encourage you to also be proud of yourself!! If you had a bad take in the past then it’s not a scar on your record, it is proof that you are always growing.
People cope in different ways, depending on the severity of the traumas they have been exposed to. Don’t feel bad it’s easy to sit and not understand the abuse these poor souls have experienced. They get high to mask pain and function through the day. I should have said I used to get high to mask emotional trauma.
the way she handles her children, letting who they're living with sit them down then reach out to her on their own terms, beyond mature and respectable.
Inspiring! Have you not listened to anything she has said during the entire interview. A person on drugs is not inspirational just because she’s street strong it doesn’t mean she’s a strong independent woman. She’s numb because of years of abuse and drug use. Wake the fuck up and educate yourself.
@@cc-zn2ty you are wrong. I wonder if you would cope so well if you were given her circumstances. But you sit back in your cushy house, with your cushy job, and your car (you probably have 2) and extended family and you judge her. Open your eyes!!
@@wordsleuth992 So society isn’t allowed to judge a person. According to who and to what. Societies are built upon social norms that then become law. I can’t believe I’m even having this discussion with you. Why are you praising a woman who is on drugs and is not there for her kids? Would you like for your child to grow up depraved abused and on drugs and if so allow me to call the state so that they will come and take them away from you. You’re an idiot for believing she’s a strong female and deserves some kind of award for being self destructive!
@@cc-zn2ty it made my wife kill herself. one broke into my home in Nanawale, and I got out in jail for 90 days. took a jury 8 minutes to call self defense. so I'm a little jaded.
You are the top comment that doesn't ask for attention or claim she is doing wrong and can be better. Your the highest comment that respects this woman for her own being and doesn't make her troubles the main point of the comment for gain and attention. Your the highest comment that is sensible, human, and considerate. Thank you.
@@berrievnwml I'm an Atheïst. You believe that out of 3.000 gods YOU believe in the right one. That's arrogance. I guess you are Christian right? If you were born in an Afghan village you would be just as sure Allah is the only true god....
- She has astounding character - she’s is a selfless person - she is a strong minded independent woman - she understands consideration for other and what they may be going through Please do an UPDATE SOON!!!!!!!!
She also bought 5 kids into the world with an abusive man when she said herself she couldn’t give them a good life. It’s irresponsible, and although she is self aware of her wrong actions, she can’t erase them. She just continued the cycle and I hope her kids do not repeat it.
Wow, gotta hand it to you man I could NOT have gotten through that interview without breaking down completely. This woman has so much potential and intelligence, her story is truly heartbreaking.
Despite the hardships Sonya has faced in her life, she's not bitter and angry. She doesn't curse. She doesn't seek revenge against those who have wronged her. She's kept her morals and values. She's kind, thoughtful and respectful. Sonya, you're a breath of fresh air. I wish the very best for you. Love and respect. 🙏💗🌷
Yes she has/is all of those things 👍 but they're definitely not qualities that will help her living on Skid Row 🙁 although I wish her all the best, it seems loneliness is probably her biggest issue/ problem right now. ✌️❤️
She’s a homeless drug addict that endured years of sexual and physical abuse… but hey, you don’t find her demeanor offensive and she doesn’t curse so she gets your approval. WTF is wrong with you?!?
I don't think those are good things. Bitterness and anger are powerful and useful tools, especially for someone like her in her state. Watch Kill Bill.
Seeing this makes a person realize that even on your worst day, you still have it pretty good. Some people never have a chance from day one, sadly. But if there is a woman that will survive no matter what, it is her. Best of luck to this strong willed person!
This is honestly heartbreaking. I’ve never felt so strongly for someone. She seems like a great person that just truly never had a chance at a normal life. Sending positive energy.
@@coffeefish I don’t disagree that desperate do desperate things but I honestly can’t imagine what she has to gain out of painting this bleak picture of her life to people on the internet. If it was a gofundme page asking for money to go to rehab I might be more cautious to believe it lol. I can certainly understand how working with people with addiction and mental issues would make you more cynical though, that can’t be easy to do.
@@coffeefish u are so sure …how would you like to live a life like some of these poor people? u are so judgemental - it’s unfortunate that you work in this profession as I’m sure you don’t help anyone with that attitude! A lot of people have never had a chance with there lousy upbringings and abusive families etc. There’s so much trauma in this world and a lot of people need help they all belong to someone it could be your sister, mother, neice, aunt etc. Have some humanity!
All this pain and trauma. When I watch videos like this one i realize how truely blessed I am, coming from a great family with loving parents and siblings. I can't imagine what life would be like growing up in a family like Sonya.
I agree. It is so unfortunate there aren’t any groups like this. Even the foster care is terrible. Children need to be protected at all costs to avoid these types of situations.
@@vonderloo3184 In 78ish when i first sought treatment ins. paid for 3 lousy sessions. My husband and i could not afford to continue and pay full freight.At that time nobody was even talking about abuse. She has so much potential to mentor others. Advocate for her.....Tee
In the end, society will be judged by how we treat the most disadvantaged among us. I hope Sonya reads all the comments below and realizes she is not alone and is able to absorb the love everyone feels for her. To Sonya, I say: " Never give up hope; I love your soul. You are here for a reason. You have touched the hearts of almost a million people who have seen this. Feel the love and let it strengthen you."
Your answer to, “what would you change” was so beautiful and authentic. We believe in you, Sonya. You are capable of being the mother you want to be but you have to heal. Your mom did not take care of you since she was probably in her addiction. You need to forgive her and be the mother she wasn’t. You are powerful and capable of anything!
As hard as it may be, when her kids are older they will be able to watch this video, and know their mother loved them, and was a good person. Sometimes you get dealt a bad hand and have to play the cards you have. Good luck Sonya.
“My sister beat my 3YO son to death” My God, THESE PEOPLE!!!! 😭😭😭😭 Sonya, I’m so sorry for the cards you’ve been dealt in life.. no one deserves this… Hugs 💔❤️
in principe i agree but this is still earth after the fall idk u believe in reincarnation? karma? working through generational karma as lesson and punishment? i do im doing it myself i´m sure there´s no other explanation yes doing it with a smile a grew-in baked-in smile for my own protection yes
This is the most heartbreaking interview. I am so sad for this woman. She deserves so much better. People have failed her, over and over again... What chance did this woman as a child ever have!?!? I will tell you: none. That is brutal. That she is still even alive and has survived is a testament to her resilience and strength, her intelligence and her will to live.
Eye opener to what’s wrong with this world. Dysfunctional parents to say the least. Listening to Sonya cry out for help to her mother and then for her mother to reject her like that was horrible to listen to. Not to mention what her father had done to her, the list went on. Praying for her and I believe all will be restored back to her.
I don’t mean this in any kind of ‘one man up’ way, but i’ve heard her story of parental abuse and parental denial time after time. I’m thousands of miles away in the Northwest of the UK so am unable to provide actual hands on help, so to anyone out there who can help her, please please do so
@@richierottweiler923 she is abusing her kids as well by being a meth head. what kind of mother can u be on meth.. she continuing the cycle, pushing it to her kids. at some point u have to take accountability. drug addicts do the blame game, not minimizing her childhood... but u gotta get past it and not push that to the next generation - her kids.
Buzz Aldrin yes sir, that is true, and i totally 100% agree with you when you say she herself has to take responsibility for herself. The question i would ask is this, at what point would one step in with a proper medical intervention. My next question would be, then, at what point would it be deemed, and would she herself feel strong and competent enough to then be held to account for her part in her past negative traumas and then shown a better way to live? I think that we both know the answer with the answer being that when she has had enough and feels ready to both give up the chemicals and accept change. I myself struggled for nearly a decade with both alcohol and substance abuse, spending many years homeless on the streets. During that time, i did a lot of things to get my various fixes pills and potions, and, to be completely honest, most of what i did i would happily have permanently deleted from my consciousness. That is not how it works though, and as a direct result, it is the thought of going back to being a feral angry drugged up drunk that keeps me stone cold sober to this day. March 5th this year will be fourteen years for me.
Baby girl, you were the scapegoat in your family. None of those horrible things were your fault. You have already proved you are way better than them. You are intelligent, insightful, & stronger than you know. Don't ever give up.
The emotional resilience that this lady has is breathtaking , but when she said "I have nobody to look for me" that broke me what potential this girl has, she could do so much, she is smart , she is streetsmart, there has to be programmes to help her ?! Also does anyone know if she is visually impared ? Blessings to you all x
EXACTLY!!! When she said that it killed me … I found myself reaching out and praying for her … her story is so horrible and what a beautiful heart she has
@@shannonshark84 well it’s not as if they deserve anything else. Choosing to be a burden on your family, society and yourself isn’t something that deserves a round of applause. Virtue signaling and fake sympathy won’t get these people to change. Telling them it’s not their fault is a bunch of dog shit. Unless you are physically coerced into injecting drugs in a daily basis, it remains a choice!
This story changes my entire perspective and makes me realize how strong people are and how grateful I am in my life, and to never give up. She is incredibly strong. I'm so sad and angry for her, that she's had to live through so much. She is the definition of strength.
This is a bit of a stretch. She would be the definition of strength if she had recognized the horrible things meth did to her parents/family, and would’ve never touched the sht. To fall into that same lifestyle after seeing what it did to her parents is totally understandable, but real strength would’ve been making a better life for herself and her kids. She still has hope and can make a better life for herself imo. No hate here, I’m just saying.
@@squanchysquanch1840 I agree, I can't imagine being where she's at, having gone through all she has. Yeah, ideally, she could have gone a better path, one without drugs. I hope the best for her.
The definition of strength? She’s a drug addict living on skid row who can’t even straighten up for the sake of her own children. “Strength” is overcoming difficult circumstances. She’s letting hers define her and uses them as an excuse to continue her own destruction.
I feel so sorry for this woman.Her mother kicked her out on the street when she was 11. She was 11. I can understand that she doesn't want to meet her family.And I can also understand that she takes drugs.How should a young girl can take it all?I wish her all the best from the bottom of my heart.Love from germany
I was thrown our into the street at 15. It's a horrible thing to do to a child...little girls should be protected, when that doesn't happen ur feeling of self worth is crap. Like, if your own people reject you...🙁
@@marylougeorge9890 it was, terrifying, all the time. I ran myself ragged running from predators...thankfully some pimps protected me, giving me time to grow up. I was terribly naive...without their protection I would have torn to pieces.
she went through all that and she STILL has that empathy, love, emotional intelligence and sense of responsibility for her kids. She's 1000x the mother her biologically-technical "mother" is. Amazing. Girl, you're not alone, ever. Even if no one comes to see you, you are still loved. I wish you a Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Valentine's Day, for the rest of your life :-)
She didn't have one negative thing to say about anyone. For someone in her position, with her history, that is absolutely incredible. My heart hurts for her.
So much trauma and pain yet she still shows so much insight, strength and potential. An amazing person who has suffered through unimaginable circumstances over and over again since she entered this world. She deserves so much more from life. The people who were supposed to love her told her she doesn’t matter. YOU MATTER SONYA 💗💗💗
Christ girl, the fact that you're still alive is a testament to how strong you are. I really hope the best for you, you seem like a beautiful person and deserve way better. No one deserves the shit you been through. Stay strong.
This woman is an absolute warrior.... this is why people turn to drugs addicts are not self made its a last stitch effort at trying to feel nothing after enduring EVERYTHING. My heart goes out to anyone whose endured abuse and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. 💖
Addicts are pathetic and don’t deserve that narcan shot. Let them go so we don’t have to continue seeing people like this suffer for being so weak. Pathetic
@@reaper526 you are a little bitch i would smack tf out of you and run your pockets punk. i hope all your loved ones die from horrible genetic diseases beyond thier control. weak ass littl bitch
In the rooms of AA and NA there are people who can identify and appreciate her pain and want to help her. So many recovered addicts turn out to be a wonderful examples for the rest of the world. I hope she finds us we are waiting with open arms.
Amazing how after all of the horrendous things she described, the one thing you focus on is the fact that she's taking drugs... as if the drugs are somehow a central factor in her misfortune... I mean, how could anyone stay sober in a situation like hers anyway? You wouldn't preach sobriety to a person with an open bone fracture, you'd recognise that they're suffering and give them some morphine. Sonya is suffering so much that she's cutting herself with knives and you have the audacity to preach a sobriety... She has a damn good reason to do drugs, and for your information they are not the source of her problems at all. The drugs may in fact be the very thing that keeps her surviving another day. That's something you should respectfully consider.
@@steinarjonsson_there's comfort in knowing and sharing with people who truly understand. That's the superpower of 12 step groups. They become family of choice.
@@steinarjonsson_ I know plenty of people in the rooms of AA and NA who have gone through many of the same situations and used as a coping mechanism. It's impossible to heal from trauma while you're still using, getting high is a very temporary solution to a long term wound.
How could anyone possibly endure that amount of pain, abuse, neglect betray sober? I never touched a drug in my life but i understand that after a certain point you just wanna numb out the pain..Her crystalmeth-cooking careless abusive parents failed her so badly-how to build a solid house with no foundation?
Imagine how different her live would be if she had been born into a middle or upper class loving family. Like you were saying, this kind of trauma beginning at birth is just too much for almost anyone to overcome. The world can def be an incredibly harsh place. Her sister beat her son to death. I mean she's never once not been being traumatized. It's so sad.
@@bryan123483 yes-the part with the sister i almost hoped to have gotten wrong but you confirm what i heard or what she wanted to share but couldnt completely. How alone must you feel and how hard must it be to form any relation to any human being if everyone who was supposed to love and protect you abandoned and abused you??!! heartbreaking
She is doing the most unselfish thing a mom could do by giving her children to someone else. She knows they are better without her. That’s hard. I want to help her so much The pain in her body when she spoke of loosing her baby at 3, just heartbreaking. Please update us with her story
The most unselfish thing a mom could do is to get clean and be there for her kids. It’s quite easy to hand over your responsibilities to someone else and let them do your job, especially when you’re strung out on drugs. You know there’s a problem with our culture when actively choosing drugs over your own children is considered “unselfish.”
My heart really goes out to this woman. I wish someone could get her some help. This is the first video that really brings tears to the eyes. I think she's a genuinely good person and has been through more than most and is still surviving it. She deserves so much better.
I can only imagine the life she would have had with a loving family. She is so articulate and wise and strong! I wish someone could provide her with some guidance and help her get on her feet. She sounds like such a good person.
I watched 11 minutes and decided not to watch anymore. This was ripping my heart out. Poor lady. She seems intelligent and articulate, still, with all the drug use! I can only imagine how her life could have turned out had she had better parents. Life sucks for a lot of people. It's not fair. I really wish her the best and I'm sure that everyone else feels the same way.
I'm 5 minutes in and my heart is breaking for the way her life has pummelled her straight into the ground. I pray this lady catches a break. She needs it.
The ending made me cry. When he said “:stay safe out there” I broke. She’d just gotten a gun pulled on her for no reason a few minutes before, and now she has to go back out there. Ive been thinking about her for days. Is there like any way for me to send money to her so she can get a motel and eat comfortably for a couple nights? She deserves to remember what it’s like to at least have a roof over her head. If there’s any way for me to send money /essentials please please let me know guys. I can’t sleep without thinking about this
How can a child be blamed for being raped by her father for several years. Disgusting!! My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry for what you've been through and the loss of your son. You have the most beautiful coloured eyes 💙
I got chills when she was retelling the conversation with her mom about being scared of herself and needing help. I'm so grateful for my mom, she is my angel. I wish everyone could have the same love from their parents. So heart-breaking. Thanks Mark for sharing her story, hopefully this will get her some of that help. She has an amazing heart and a good head on her shoulders.
How much pain and abuse can a person take before they start destroying themselves with drugs and more abuse. The fact that Sonya is still standing is proof of human resilience. I hope expressing her story gives her the courage and self confidence to save herself.
I believe in you girl!! I've been through horror myself. I am an ex heroin and meth addict. I am fighting hard to keep my life this way!! I couldn't walk for over 2 years because of my IV drug use but you have to put your foot down and say enough is enough! Don't let the abusers win! You are strong af and a survivor! Tell your story and be the motivation to other young girls in similar shoes that they don't need to turn to drugs like we did, it only makes things worse.... at least for me it did. Prays and lots of love sent your way!!!
someone give this lady a safe and healthy community, she's had a absolutely rotten start but the rest of her journey still has a beautiful hope - it would be incredibly hard for her to see but I 100% believe in miracles
This is possibly my favorite person yet. I mean there are a lot of interesting people on this channel, that i love listening to.. dont get me wrong BUT there’s something about this girl that i love more than any of the others. You can tell she’s highly intelligent. She’s given thought to most everything that comes across her path and she’s SO humble about it. Omg, is she humble. I can’t wait to hear more from her. The girl is bomb, and i wish she could see it for herself.. maybe she does…. but enough to want to change her lifestyle.. even if it isn’t as exciting.. she could possibly be really comfortable in her own bed, with her own things and her own peace of mind.
Ive watched many of ur videos and this one hit me differently. Shes so clear on things and speaks volumes. I pray she gets the help she needs. I cryed with this one. Shes so alone and she needs people. U can tell by how she speaks she wants help and she wants to do the right things. Shame on her parents. Shame on anyone who has harmed her. Stay safe girl!! ❤
@@janethanna9023 its not victim blaming. Its being a responsible person. Nobody is going to come and save you. You make the choice to continue your life as it is or change it. She choose to take drugs and be homeless and be in an abusive relationship and give birth and everything else she chose since adulthood.
This one really hit me. She is the sort of person that most people would ignore or look down upon. But she is a sensitive person with an insane childhood and an amazing amount of selflessness and strength. It is so sad that she had the life she had, but even despite that she believes in a better future. She has more humanity than most people I know. These videos are amazing
Look at the affect she has had on all of us who have listened to her story. That is big! That is productive on an earthly scale. Her words have weight.
Sonya, I hope you can prove your mom and dad wrong! My parents were mean to me. My mom even said she wished I’d never been born, too. And I hadn’t even done anything wrong. I won almost every award in high school because of my determination and being head strong. I graduated at 17, packed my car and my parents never even told me good bye or helped me pack. My 2 best friends and I rented an apartment together. I worked 2-3 jobs while I was in college. Received my 1st B. S. Degree. Married a great guy, had 2 sons, went back to college, received my nursing degree. Then had my 3rd child right after. I was 45 when my elderly mom finally told me she loved me because she finally heard me telling my children all the time I loved them. You can stop that the generational curse if that’s what it is. You don’t have to let those heart aches define your future! Many prayers and blessings for you! ❤️
Sonya...YOU MATTER!! You are a blessing to this world, and you deserve love, respect, kindness and understanding. Keep your head high, you're still here for a reason. Forgive yourself, every single day, until you believe you have a purpose...because you do. Sending you love.
This poor woman :/ this series has opened up my eyes so much, when I see homeless and drug/drink effected people I don’t judge anymore, addiction usually always is there to cover up trauma. My heart goes out to this poor woman
what mark is doing is so important.. hopefully "normal" people that see this will open their minds and hearts to learn more about the human condition and hopefully do something for someone else who is in need for whatever.. so mark leita you are a true human being and i should hope to be as accepting and tolerating as you are.. thanks for great content every fuckin time.. from the cold cold north of sweden
Watching these (and I live on the other side of the planet, but you can be sure there are people like this here), it really makes me think of what I can do. These interviews really open one's eyes. What is the best use of my time if I volunteer and my money to help the best way possible? I'm investigating effective altruism here down under to find the best use of my donations--I hope I can make a difference to someone.
Maybe you can start something to help people like Sonya, why wait for others to do it? If people like you actually did something instead of just criticizing, America wouldn't be such a "dark disaster".
@Otherself Obviously, you aren't understanding. I said 'we', as in the United States, are humiliating. Our nation is an embarrassment for how it treats its own citizens, whether it's the poor, poc, women, or the lgbt community. If you don't get that, then you're a fool.
Poor lady, every day I get disgusted by peoples actions. I hope she gets better and overcomes this. The saddest part is they all of the people that are addicted to substances are aware of this and want to stop but they can’t because they don’t have support that they need. Awful awful story…
Probably the most genuine, heartfelt interview I've seen on your channel so far Mark. Sonya is such a beautiful, hurting, broken soul. My heart breaks for her and it breaks my heart to even think about how many others there are out on these streets just like her. This is brilliant, eye-opening journalism what you're doing here, giving a voice to those who aren't heard through these RUclips videos. Keep it up.
Sonya, I would "look" for you. I'm 63, live alone (me n my cat) but no one checks.on me either. I suffer from PTSD, major depression. I'm here for you, please don't give up on yourself. There are people out here that love you . Thanks to this channel. Stay strong, my sweetie 🥰
Stories like hers are why people struggle with faith. How COULD someone believe that there is a force of good in the world when they're lives are so filled with suffering. I pray that Sonya is graced with the strength to get herself into a better situation, find peace and have a positive influence in her children's lives. As always, thank you Mark.
People don't have to believe in God to hold humanity in the highest regard. Many of us have faith in each other, in humanness, and the fragility of grace and dignity. Sonya has known the type of existence that would break most of us. But she's still here. She knows she has something else to give and I hope she understands that she is loved by people who have never met her, and don't love her because God told us to, but because she is a human who deserves love. Period.
She's a realist and her reality is hell, she neither has the time nor the stupidity to believe in childish fairytales written thousands of years ago to keep unruly children in check
Not even 5 minutes in and I’m already tearing up. Bless her. She seems like a such nice person, and also has a lot of potential. I wish I could befriend or just talk to her. She’s been betrayed her whole life by the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally. And that just breaks my heart. Keep us posted on her.
This beautiful woman has endured hell throughout her entire life, yet still retains an amazing clarity and perspective in spite of decades of hard drug abuse. She is articulate and authentic, communicating the dangerous reality of the daily lives of women living in her circumstances. Your life matters to this woman. ❤️
Natural reaction to UNNATURAL situations. I could NOT IMAGINE the pain! She, like all of us, needs and deserves to feel loved. Imma pray for you. I can understand turning to drugs when family isnt really family. Not only heart breaking but disgusting what happened to you. Hard to see the beauti in one's self when your own family doesn't appreciate the gift of you. I used to roll too. I had a lot of pain also. Took years to stop. And if I had no way off the streets I don't think i would have had a way to stop. My heart goes out to you
Its a miracle this woman is alive!! It's no wonder that she is using drugs - it's been her coping mechanism, her way to survive, her escape from the hell that she calls her reality! I hope that she finds a way out of her lifestyle and gets to experience true happiness. Every person in the world deserves to experience that atleast once.. xxx
From all the people you have interviewed, I just get such a sense of acceptance and grounding from her in a way I haven't really seen from others - the calm she possesses in such a tragic and tough life so far and her desire for happiness in the important things like having people around you who love and care for you. I'm so glad you found her. She is so unique in this way. Bless her
I’ve watched quite a few of SWU where addicts are interviewed. I’m a recovering alcoholic (like, wreck a career, almost lose custody of a child, clinically die alcoholic). It’s a little like group to watch these videos. They give me strength. I had to stop this one. I was crying. It broke my heart. Sonya, I know it’s been over a year since your interview was uploaded, but: YOU DESERVE TO BE LOVED. I wish nothing but the best for you. Stay as safe as you can.
It never seems to fail that when you scratch the surface of an addict, you find a beautiful person with horrific scarring in which drugs have proved to be a very inefficient bandage.
Well said. Being an alcoholic I sometimes I wonder if one of the reasons I was able to quit drinking is because I had a good childhood. Stable middle-class family. If my background was closer to Sonya's I have doubts that I'd still be alive.
Fucking hate all the idiot conservatives who blame everything on the homeless, addicts, minorities, etc... but never have the intellect to look at thr ruling class who have created this nightmare of a dystopia
Go.out start scratching and helping people not just watching commenting from your safe womb world
@@user-rb7ns9yj5y Two wings on the same bird. Don't be too quick to assume someone as "the bad guys"...they're all doing damage, some unseen and some in the public eye. If you start digging you will see. 2 wings on the same bird.
@@user-rb7ns9yj5y Hates a strong word. Weird how all the Liberal cities have the worst homeless problems and drug issues? Yet you hate conservatives who literally only blame Government/Politicians and Corporations
This girl is an addict for survival. She didn't deserve any of the awful things that happened to her. Makes me realize, even with my "rough" childhood, just how privileged I am and how much worse it could have been. Really grateful for that. Don't judge a book on its cover. I wish her happiness
Terrible
Perfect words ❤️
I was thinking the same thing rough child hood but not that bad she's been thru it
I mean there are bad childhoolds and then there are horrific childhoods. Always good to look on the brighter side of life and be thankful of what you have!
Her choice actions have consequences stop making excuses for these fucks
Man, I’ve never wanted to hug someone more then this girl in my entire life. Hope this girl finds some peace somehow.
Same. And I want to jerk a knot in her mama's neck. That level of cruelty is astounding to me. Sonya, if you're reading this, God bless you. You're in my prayers, sweetheart.
You’re just trying to fuck mike hahaha
100000000 percent
Damn, word? Hug your parents that took care of you with that same passion.
Mmmmm yeah I wanna hug her too. OHHH YEAH.
“I’m not happy with where I am but I’m happy with who I am” what a phrase. I admire her strength.
I read your comment at the exact time she said, I got chills!!!
Ugh, so her father got 21 years and she's the one with the life sentence. God bless this lady.
Wow. So true.
There is no god. People must learn to help themselves and others.
So much damage have been done :(
That was my thoughts exactly.
That doesn’t negate her being a terrible mother. She should of had her womb taken out after the first child.
I hope you do an update on her. She expresses herself clearly and intelligently and lives with the memories of such a brutal childhood.
Well said! She went straight to my heart. I found it impossible to watch this, without crying! She deserves better than the life she is living now. I`m so hoping for something good to happen to her soon.
All she needs is for support and someone to be there for her, she seems so sad but there's fire there too! She's going to be amazing
Please do a update ... I wish I could help her.... she had such a shit upbringing.... I'm a father and sexual abusing your own child is fucn sick.. murders and child sex offenders deserve a firing squad.
She died.
@@Xertazer Where is the proof ?
Dude, this one was too much... It's hard for me to imagine a person that has been exposed to heavy drugs, extreme violence, street life and abused in every way possible since birth, and even worse: not having a single person in this world to rely on, completely by herself, without any love and care. No wonder she's an addict. It's just hard to imagine, It's not fair. I hope at least she gets a break, getting out of the streets, and try to get her life back. Sonya: I hug you and wish you the very very best.
But she did have people...choices. We as mothers sometimes have to emotionally detach from our drug addicted children to save ourselves...and their children.
@@donnaradney2743 you must be the mother.
You can not say "it's not fair" when you have not seen this womans whole story, as It is still unfolding because she is alive. If you were able to see the beginning of time to the end, start to finish, I believe you would not say "it's not fair".
@@donnaradney2743 you really can't be saying that she had her mother looking out for her? What choice did she have when she was being raped by her father and being put into foster care? Her mother was an addict herself. She didn't have a childhood, she wasn't protected and nurtured by the very woman her birthed her. Do you actually think you could go it alone with nobody who cared for you? Maybe you should leave your judgements at the door until you have walked a day in her shoes
@@donnaradney2743what people that molested her🖕you piece of 💩 if u are her mother shame on you
I don't think a person can be considered self-destructive if they've never even had a chance to do anything with their life from the start. She deserved and deserves so much more
That is so true!! Well said!
The people judging her weren't raped as a child by their frigging father. I can't even imagine. My trauma is so much less and that shit screwed up my whole life
When she said her biggest fear is dying and having nobody to notice and come find her, that broke my heart. Everybody deserves to be missed, even if it's just by one person.
Same here. I could and no one would notice for days.
She would be missed by her 4 kids. Ever notice no matter how bad your parents were you just wanted their love and attention, that's all her kids want, they would forgive everything she did if she said she was sorry and worked on changing for the better. Her kids may have family to take care of them but that will never fill the mom void, they will spend their entire life thinking they weren't good enough for their mom
@@WillChil466 same ... 😢❤️
Let me slide into the ocean when I’m done.
Broke my heart too.
I'm a grown ass man and this damn near broke me. How could one person be forced to endure so much in such a short lifetime. That shit's not fair... What a strong human being.
And there are worse ways people endure the life forced on them just by chance
Some are dead by 3 just from starvation
And there government doesn't care.
There are very cruel.places in this world
It affected me too she’s inspiring, too inspiring, sometimes people just finally need a break, period. And she keeps going, she isn’t entitled even though I believe her to be one of the most deserving people I’ve seen
Didn’t you know? This was all god’s plan for his child he created. Remember, god never gives you more than you can handle 🤷🏻
@@ryanblanchard2508This is satans world. Read the Bible plz. Lots of stuff you could utilize.
Had me in tears for the first time after watching so many of these
Ma'am, you giving your children away in order for them to have a better future, is the strongest and most selfless thing you could do. My absolute respect.
Then why did she keep having them?
You're ignorant af
@@crystalzalys4737 yeah, I'm the bad one. Uh huh
@@aaronwinfree8662 she was 12 years old when she became pregnant for the first time
You know they have procedures for that
This is the only interview I’ve cried over. When she spoke of her kids, letting them decide when to reach out to her.. She’s putting them first, and that’s a GOOD mom. I hope they’re having a good life with the family that has them.
Can empathize with her on all points. But just somewhere along the line she could have prevented those pregnancies.
@@rfor4737 I definitely agree with that.
Maybe she doesn't believe in abortion
Can’t help wondering how together the people are that are raising her kids. It might be a long way from good.
Eye roll
It is a tall order for this woman to have a "normal" life when it seems she has never had a normal day. She doesn't know what normal is. Despite her tragic history her outlook and awareness is remarkable.
She still has strength, wisdom, and beauty. I really really have hope for this woman.
What’s normal
@@miked9466 "Normal" may represent something different to everyone, but whatever "normal" is.. it's definitely not being raped by your dad, or sister killing your baby..
Her wisdom was paid for by her suffering and all this time on the street.
You can tell a part of her is searching for a more normal life but like a lot of trauma survivors she's having a hard time getting there.
Damn this was one if the hardest ones yet. She has spent her entire life living in a nightmare, and explains it with such lucidity.
Meth is one hell of a drug. I noticed meth heads to be the most articulate when it comes to the gift of the gab and being sharp and witty. But meth will take u down. When ? Only God knows.
So stop being soft and start learning how to hold yourself down during bad times and be able to speak only with such "lucidity".
@@depletable yeah sounds good until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes… humble yourself a little
@@wasabichopsticks518 I'm plenty humble, and expect you to be humble and strong. So get strong a little.
The words “my sister was raped” and “my son was beaten by her at 3” could never come out of my mouth. I don’t know how she’s still standing. I couldn’t do it. I applaud her for continuing on.
This poor little soul!
Brought up in a meth trailer, brutalized by her 'father', mother in denial, then sister kills her little toddler??? She should have had a better life, poor thing.
People should never ever judge others who are down on their luck, no one knows the background story. Glad that she got her chance to tell her story, and my prayers are that she finds inner peace and joy in life. She so deserves it.
And the dad only got 21 years. Child molesters need to get life in prison. Hopefully her sister got life in prison for killing the 3 year old boy as well.
If you believe everything she said, you're a fool. Addicts lie.
I would love to know how Sonya is doing. Please Mark give us an update if possible. All the best Sonya. You deserve the world. ❤
This woman is so insanely emotionally intelligent. The fact that she was able to learn from her parents' mistakes in order to make her children's lives better is one of the largest aspects of emotional intelligence. There are far too many people who don't know how to break the cycle, yet this woman did it and has logical reasoning behind it. I hope she's able to find peace in her life.
dude seriously? thats the whole point of life. i was abused on a level at least as bad as her, probably worse, but i am 10 years clean, raise my kids and am an amazing father. ppl make excuses thats the problem. you step the fuck up and do whats right and dont beat and rape your kids, its easy. but all these ppl use past trauma as an excuse, and then we fucking treat em like a hero for nothing. this bitch has done nothing, accomplished nothing we should not praise her. as i said, i went through at least as bad of abuse as a child, i am 10 years sober have full custody own two cars, one sick ass challenger, and i beat fucking stage 3 cancer on top of it all. none of these ppl have been through close to what i been through, or accomplished a fraction of a percent of what i have, yet nobody out here praising me. we must just be built differemt in NY bc we dont praise addicts, even recovering ones. like you got kids your job now is to suck it the fuck up and stop crying about the paST
She didnt learn shit... Intelligent? She cares about nobody but herself..Assholes are like excuses everybody has one...
Who would not be addicted to substances with an upbringing like that. The system completely failed this woman. Still, she is articulate and i am happy she recognises her own potential.
The parents failed this woman
@@dominobeauty Her parents, but also our country failed this woman. We have systems in place to keep this from happening. We failed her
@@trashyraccoon2615 The system is and will always be trash no matter how much money is pumped into it. No one can show a child love like their own parents and a child craves love from their own parents. It's well documented that people who come from a two-parent household are far better off in life in comparison to those who do not. The system is just a backup plan and will always be a farcry in comparison.
In this lady's case being raped by her dad beginning at age 3 will have already fucked her up for life. No system can fix that, only that flashy thing from Men In Black that deletes memory.
The key is ending the cycle and the fact that this lady has had 5 kids is just perpetuating the problem. The system cannot fix a tidal wave of kids with horrible parents or no parents.
Everyone on hard drugs has some sort of sob story. It's funny how I grew up with a lot of these clowns. A lot of them grew up with middle class families. They use this BS as excuse to continue lying and stealing to get their drugs. It's called manipulation. They're con artists. And this is how these people interact on a daily basis.
@@blessedjuggernaut this is true. I can’t believe a word that comes out of their mouth. Drug users are synonymous with habitual liars.
Get this girl a social worker!!!
She DESERVES it!! There are so many services to aid her.
It's often really, really hard for people to get help if they don't appear sober & totally coherent. While it's understandable that agencies want that, it's not always realistic.
What makes you think one hasn’t been offered to her? People on the streets don’t always want help.
@@MiddlePath33 it was in response to the comment above. I never said she *should* get help, just gently cautioning the well-intentioned that people typically cannot appear intoxicated when trying to access social services.
@@montananerd8244 he wasnt replying to you he was replying to the original comment. Youre a little slow.
@@dewmontain123 so that was rude of you
this one made me cry... her resilience is incredible. when she said "im not happy with where im at in life, but im happy with who i am" absolutely powerful. such a sad story, and such a strong beautiful woman.
That touched me 😢
As a social worker that has watched soooo many of your videos (love what you do!) This girl hit me the hardest thus far. She is absolutely a product of her environment. People think if someone doesnt have their kids they are scum. And sometimes I tend to agree I won't lie. But some people know that they arent whats best for their kids. And thats selfless. This woman could have been many things. A mom for sure. She still has a ton of potential. She needs one person to believe in her. She needs therapy and love and some self esteem. She appears intelligent, charismatic and kind despite all that's happened to her. I hope so much that she does turn her life around.
Yeah no excuse…we ALL have a choice, and to bring all those kids in the world, knowing damn well she’s scum..it’s disgusting and inexcusable. People really need to stop praising these people…smh
What she needs is rehab, subsidy, a roof over her head, a meal. Therapy can only come after necessities are met. Repair can only take place one she finds calmness and peace.
I agree. She is stronger than a lot of people and yet she's shamed. It breaks my heart.
same RE: "watched soooo many of your videos (love what you do!) This girl hit me the hardest thus far."
Absolutely a selfless act. I regularly think about how my life could have been different if my mom would have done that for me. I think I would have at least had a shot at a less traumatic life, had I been given up. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. That woman ruined me.
This actually took my breath away when she said her son was beaten to death by her sister, so much sadness and pain.
Yea, at that point you're 2 minutes into her story, and it's just layer upon layer of unfathomable trauma.
I have a three year old, and I’m bawling.. I can’t imagine all the things this woman has been through. It tears my heart apart. 💔😪
3 minutes in and I’m in tears on the couch wtf this poor soul, every fiber of me wants to help her.
And her father raped her from age 3 to 9, I never heard such a sad story. Damn Im crying from this video. What a awfual family she have.
I am such a jerk. But I am changing as I watch these interviews. Sending love to Sonya. May her life get better soon.
Sonya, you are person of value. You matter. The difficulties of your life are not your fault. You are incredibly strong and can one day have a better life. You sure deserve it.
I agree 💯
lmao dont kid urself, she dont matter at all. Not every human is meant to be successful, its just nature. You think every single animal out in the wild has a nice life? Same for hunans, were so overpopulated that these people truly dont matter. If she disappeared right now, nobody would even care or know. The thing about the American Dream is that you have to be asleep to believe it.
@@fanlbc she may not matter to you. But she matters to someone else. Just because she holds no value in YOUR life that does not mean she does not JD value. Every life matters in this world just because it indirectly affects you. Every person makes up the world we have today. So yes, she holds value. Maybe not to you but to someone.
Imagine you had a family member on the streets and someone tells them they have no value. I'm sure the ppl close to that person would highly disagree.
@@fanlbc The American Dream was actually made up by banks...buy a house so we can make money off of you.
Everyone matters. Each of us is part of the big picture. Just her smiling at a stranger could turn their day around.
Oh yeah I GET the whole “nobody would care if I died” thing…… yup
I used know this woman we were friends both on living on the streets of Lancaster I'm happy to see she finally had a chance to tell her story there's still so much more can't wait to see the follow up .... keep pushing on beautiful ❤️
Wow, she’s insightful, articulate, intelligent, respectful of her kids, her environment, other peoples issues. Such a sad beginning and story. She deserved better
This
I wish I could take her home in Canada .I truly pray to God above
It’s hard not to lose faith in humanity after hearing about the trauma and tragedy people like Sonya have experienced. When I hear people complain of others not being able to pick themselves up from their bootstraps I recommend they watch SWU and hear about the lives of people like Sonya, the people that never had a chance from their start in life. Thank you Mark for highlighting the cycle of abuse that leads to a skid row life.
Spot on comment ❤️
Erin,
Well said.
It's easy to pass judgment or make comments from the outside..
Thing is, Sonya is 1 of how many??
It’s an inconvenient truth. Side effects of the human condition. We try to convince ourselves this is the exception when it’s likely the rule…..
There are people rooting for the lost
This woman might be telling the truth but I think a lot of druggies make excuses and invent a bad background to avoid taking responsibility. Its a whole culture problem these days, theres always an excuse for wrongdoers. If my mother or father attempted to molest me, I would not comply. I cant imagine it. I remember when I was little my sister tried to pull my pants down for a joke, and I went nuts. My father had a stern word with her and it never happened again.
Something that troubles me... that everyone knows someone who was molested or raped...but you never really meet the rapists, they're not going to admit to it. They're just roaming the streets if they haven't been caught. Some mf raped their own daughter and nobody would know...That's terrifying
You're absolutely right. Even if they know, they choose to look past it, to not upset family dynamics or what not
Yup--I am astounded how widespread it is and how there is so little justice and so little for these victims.
Also, what chance does someone like this have, growing up how she has. What a sick society we are turning our backs on the most vulnerable.
Yep, they're everywhere.
IF they arent left to rot in prison, IF they are returned to society, Im all for branding a big R on each cheek..let the world know who they are..rape is never accidental like a fist fight gone too far or a stupid drunk driving accident. It is ALWAYS intentional. No mercy should be shown but if a rapist is allowed to live they should be known to everyone.
I hope Sonya finds a way into a home, where she can rest her eyes, sleep in a warm bed, feel safe and protected. She is such a loving, kind person and selfless person.
She doesn't want pity, she wants loving support and understanding. Bless her, I truly hope she finds motivation for a way out
Sonya your story covered me in chills and I cried for the first time watching any of these interviews. I wish you had a PO Box so I could send you silly cards and feminine products etc and stamps so you could mail your kids birthday cards. Trust me, it never hurts to have a mother who loves you - even from a distance while she gets some things sorted out. I love you, babygirl
Yes! ♥️ Agreed, sis 💐
Same. I would love to help this beautiful lady out even with things like blankets, gift cards, chocolate bars, drawings my kid drew for her, anything to make her feel loved and supported. What could we do?
I agree! Maybe the content creator could do a po box and give them to the intended people. 🤷♀️
Man I jus love humanity… I really do. Kindness and empathy go so far and it’s absolutely free. 💙
@@nunyabidness6045 this would be so time consuming for him and almost impossible as they have no home base & move around so much. Great idea though.
I never took drugs and always look down on people who do. After this video I begin to realize how much of a bigot I am. I can't even imagine to go through what She went through and live to tell the tail. Thank you for sharing your Story. Thank you for showing me perspective.
*Everyone* is 1 mistake away from drug dependency. Its easy to judge people. Its even easier to *understand* them when you have a glimpse over the fence.
You should be proud of yourself for trying a new perspective on! Please never demean yourself as a bigot. Perhaps you were influenced at one time by bigoted ideas and even bad ideas can make sense under certain circumstances. But this post you made right here, proves that you are not a bigot - you are courageous and you are willing to learn something new and you are here with us to love this sister of ours. You didn’t even stay quiet you came out with a declaration! You’re an example of compassion. I’m really proud of you and I want to encourage you to also be proud of yourself!! If you had a bad take in the past then it’s not a scar on your record, it is proof that you are always growing.
It can happen to anyone. Nobody does drugs to try to become an addict.
People cope in different ways, depending on the severity of the traumas they have been exposed to. Don’t feel bad it’s easy to sit and not understand the abuse these poor souls have experienced. They get high to mask pain and function through the day. I should have said I used to get high to mask emotional trauma.
Respect for that
the way she handles her children, letting who they're living with sit them down then reach out to her on their own terms, beyond mature and respectable.
Disagree. Shes using them as an excuse to to swerve them
The way she presents herself is inspiring. You can tell she’s smart & has so much love for others despite what she’s been through. That is so rare.
Inspiring! Have you not listened to anything she has said during the entire interview. A person on drugs is not inspirational just because she’s street strong it doesn’t mean she’s a strong independent woman. She’s numb because of years of abuse and drug use. Wake the fuck up and educate yourself.
@@cc-zn2ty you are wrong. I wonder if you would cope so well if you were given her circumstances. But you sit back in your cushy house, with your cushy job, and your car (you probably have 2) and extended family and you judge her. Open your eyes!!
@@wordsleuth992 So society isn’t allowed to judge a person. According to who and to what. Societies are built upon social norms that then become law. I can’t believe I’m even having this discussion with you. Why are you praising a woman who is on drugs and is not there for her kids? Would you like for your child to grow up depraved abused and on drugs and if so allow me to call the state so that they will come and take them away from you. You’re an idiot for believing she’s a strong female and deserves some kind of award for being self destructive!
I've never met anyone who used that pain for more than 18 months straight come back as any remnant of themselves.
@@cc-zn2ty it made my wife kill herself. one broke into my home in Nanawale, and I got out in jail for 90 days. took a jury 8 minutes to call self defense. so I'm a little jaded.
What a sensitive, intelligent and compassionate person. I pray she finds her way 🖤🖤🖤
You are the top comment that doesn't ask for attention or claim she is doing wrong and can be better. Your the highest comment that respects this woman for her own being and doesn't make her troubles the main point of the comment for gain and attention. Your the highest comment that is sensible, human, and considerate. Thank you.
@@Michael-zj3cn sensible? Praying for her? To the "god" that let all those horrors happen to her?
@@RepsacZ ironic huh? but thats religion for ya
@@berrievnwml I'm an Atheïst. You believe that out of 3.000 gods YOU believe in the right one. That's arrogance. I guess you are Christian right? If you were born in an Afghan village you would be just as sure Allah is the only true god....
- She has astounding character
- she’s is a selfless person
- she is a strong minded independent woman
- she understands consideration for other and what they may be going through
Please do an UPDATE SOON!!!!!!!!
@@izamar295 one day hopefully you’ll understand forgiveness is a big part of life
She also bought 5 kids into the world with an abusive man when she said herself she couldn’t give them a good life. It’s irresponsible, and although she is self aware of her wrong actions, she can’t erase them. She just continued the cycle and I hope her kids do not repeat it.
I like her
So true forgiveness is a major part of life! If you hold on to unforgiveness it’s like taking poison and hoping the other person dies!!!
She has 2 sisters
Wow, gotta hand it to you man I could NOT have gotten through that interview without breaking down completely. This woman has so much potential and intelligence, her story is truly heartbreaking.
Despite the hardships Sonya has faced in her life, she's not bitter and angry. She doesn't curse. She doesn't seek revenge against those who have wronged her. She's kept her morals and values. She's kind, thoughtful and respectful. Sonya, you're a breath of fresh air. I wish the very best for you. Love and respect. 🙏💗🌷
Yes she has/is all of those things 👍 but they're definitely not qualities that will help her living on Skid Row 🙁 although I wish her all the best, it seems loneliness is probably her biggest issue/ problem right now. ✌️❤️
Such a sweet comment and I agree so much!
She said she is angry that she wakes up every day. She self harms from BPD. That is dangerous to herself. She is freighted and crying out for help.
She’s a homeless drug addict that endured years of sexual and physical abuse… but hey, you don’t find her demeanor offensive and she doesn’t curse so she gets your approval. WTF is wrong with you?!?
I don't think those are good things. Bitterness and anger are powerful and useful tools, especially for someone like her in her state. Watch Kill Bill.
Seeing this makes a person realize that even on your worst day, you still have it pretty good. Some people never have a chance from day one, sadly. But if there is a woman that will survive no matter what, it is her. Best of luck to this strong willed person!
This is honestly heartbreaking. I’ve never felt so strongly for someone. She seems like a great person that just truly never had a chance at a normal life. Sending positive energy.
It's all lies.
@@coffeefish what makes you say that?
@@samuelfoisy I work with junkies. They lie all the time. Never believe a junkie.
@@coffeefish I don’t disagree that desperate do desperate things but I honestly can’t imagine what she has to gain out of painting this bleak picture of her life to people on the internet. If it was a gofundme page asking for money to go to rehab I might be more cautious to believe it lol. I can certainly understand how working with people with addiction and mental issues would make you more cynical though, that can’t be easy to do.
@@coffeefish u are so sure …how would you like to live a life like some
of these poor people? u are so judgemental - it’s unfortunate that you
work in this profession as I’m sure you don’t help anyone with that
attitude! A lot of people have never had a chance with there lousy
upbringings and abusive families etc. There’s so much trauma in this
world and a lot of people need help they all belong to someone
it could be your sister, mother, neice, aunt etc. Have some humanity!
All this pain and trauma. When I watch videos like this one i realize how truely blessed I am, coming from a great family with loving parents and siblings. I can't imagine what life would be like growing up in a family like Sonya.
No cap
Wish there were more support groups for victims of familial sexual trauma.
There isnt. Not even therapists.
I agree. It is so unfortunate there aren’t any groups like this. Even the foster care is terrible. Children need to be protected at all costs to avoid these types of situations.
@@vonderloo3184 In 78ish when i first sought treatment ins. paid for 3 lousy sessions. My husband and i could not afford to continue and pay full freight.At that time nobody was even talking about abuse. She has so much potential to mentor others. Advocate for her.....Tee
There are all over california
Wow yes. For free.
In the end, society will be judged by how we treat the most disadvantaged among us. I hope Sonya reads all the comments below and realizes she is not alone and is able to absorb the love everyone feels for her. To Sonya, I say: " Never give up hope; I love your soul. You are here for a reason. You have touched the hearts of almost a million people who have seen this. Feel the love and let it strengthen you."
You can judge the godliness of a man on how he treats people he has nothing to gain from- Locke
Your answer to, “what would you change” was so beautiful and authentic. We believe in you, Sonya. You are capable of being the mother you want to be but you have to heal. Your mom did not take care of you since she was probably in her addiction. You need to forgive her and be the mother she wasn’t. You are powerful and capable of anything!
no, she does not need to forgive....othenr this thi you are right but forgiveness? no....
As hard as it may be, when her kids are older they will be able to watch this video, and know their mother loved them, and was a good person.
Sometimes you get dealt a bad hand and have to play the cards you have. Good luck Sonya.
Harm to myself than somebody else... Sonya, we want you to be here. I do. I really hope you get support soon. Your life sounds so tough.❤❤❤
“My sister beat my 3YO son to death”
My God, THESE PEOPLE!!!! 😭😭😭😭
Sonya, I’m so sorry for the cards you’ve been dealt in life.. no one deserves this…
Hugs 💔❤️
in principe i agree but this is still earth after the fall
idk u believe in reincarnation? karma? working through generational karma as lesson
and punishment? i do im doing it myself i´m sure there´s no other explanation
yes doing it with a smile a grew-in baked-in smile for my own protection yes
This is the most heartbreaking interview. I am so sad for this woman. She deserves so much better. People have failed her, over and over again... What chance did this woman as a child ever have!?!? I will tell you: none. That is brutal. That she is still even alive and has survived is a testament to her resilience and strength, her intelligence and her will to live.
Agreed
Eye opener to what’s wrong with this world. Dysfunctional parents to say the least. Listening to Sonya cry out for help to her mother and then for her mother to reject her like that was horrible to listen to. Not to mention what her father had done to her, the list went on. Praying for her and I believe all will be restored back to her.
I don’t mean this in any kind of ‘one man up’ way, but i’ve heard her story of parental abuse and parental denial time after time. I’m thousands of miles away in the Northwest of the UK so am unable to provide actual hands on help, so to anyone out there who can help her, please please do so
👁 see what you did there
@@richierottweiler923 she is abusing her kids as well by being a meth head. what kind of mother can u be on meth.. she continuing the cycle, pushing it to her kids. at some point u have to take accountability. drug addicts do the blame game, not minimizing her childhood... but u gotta get past it and not push that to the next generation - her kids.
I've wondered how many kids did I go to school with who had a similar story? 😢
Buzz Aldrin yes sir, that is true, and i totally 100% agree with you when you say she herself has to take responsibility for herself. The question i would ask is this, at what point would one step in with a proper medical intervention. My next question would be, then, at what point would it be deemed, and would she herself feel strong and competent enough to then be held to account for her part in her past negative traumas and then shown a better way to live?
I think that we both know the answer with the answer being that when she has had enough and feels ready to both give up the chemicals and accept change.
I myself struggled for nearly a decade with both alcohol and substance abuse, spending many years homeless on the streets. During that time, i did a lot of things to get my various fixes pills and potions, and, to be completely honest, most of what i did i would happily have permanently deleted from my consciousness. That is not how it works though, and as a direct result, it is the thought of going back to being a feral angry drugged up drunk that keeps me stone cold sober to this day. March 5th this year will be fourteen years for me.
Baby girl, you were the scapegoat in your family. None of those horrible things were your fault. You have already proved you are way better than them. You are intelligent, insightful, & stronger than you know. Don't ever give up.
The emotional resilience that this lady has is breathtaking , but when she said "I have nobody to look for me" that broke me what potential this girl has, she could do so much, she is smart , she is streetsmart, there has to be programmes to help her ?! Also does anyone know if she is visually impared ? Blessings to you all x
EXACTLY!!! When she said that it killed me … I found myself reaching out and praying for her … her story is so horrible and what a beautiful heart she has
She is smart? You clearly are not!
@@asifitmatters1 well thanks for that Minerva
@@shannonshark84 well it’s not as if they deserve anything else. Choosing to be a burden on your family, society and yourself isn’t something that deserves a round of applause. Virtue signaling and fake sympathy won’t get these people to change. Telling them it’s not their fault is a bunch of dog shit. Unless you are physically coerced into injecting drugs in a daily basis, it remains a choice!
@@gregthompson5759 go pray in one hand and shit in the other, see which gets filled first!
"I'm not happy with where I'm in life but I'm happy with who I am." God bless you woman.
This story changes my entire perspective and makes me realize how strong people are and how grateful I am in my life, and to never give up. She is incredibly strong. I'm so sad and angry for her, that she's had to live through so much. She is the definition of strength.
And here we are complaining every fucking day about our lives … look what that girl’s been through 😫
This is a bit of a stretch. She would be the definition of strength if she had recognized the horrible things meth did to her parents/family, and would’ve never touched the sht. To fall into that same lifestyle after seeing what it did to her parents is totally understandable, but real strength would’ve been making a better life for herself and her kids. She still has hope and can make a better life for herself imo. No hate here, I’m just saying.
@@squanchysquanch1840 I agree, I can't imagine being where she's at, having gone through all she has. Yeah, ideally, she could have gone a better path, one without drugs. I hope the best for her.
The definition of strength? She’s a drug addict living on skid row who can’t even straighten up for the sake of her own children. “Strength” is overcoming difficult circumstances. She’s letting hers define her and uses them as an excuse to continue her own destruction.
This absolutely breaks my heart. I truly want to give her a hug and tell her how beautiful her soul is. My heart aches for her 😞😞
I feel so sorry for this woman.Her mother kicked her out on the street when she was 11. She was 11. I can understand that she doesn't want to meet her family.And I can also understand that she takes drugs.How should a young girl can take it all?I wish her all the best from the bottom of my heart.Love from germany
Her sister beat her son to death I'm hoping she was charged for that
I was thrown our into the street at 15. It's a horrible thing to do to a child...little girls should be protected, when that doesn't happen ur feeling of self worth is crap. Like, if your own people reject you...🙁
@@thecrownoffusion8420 She has 2 sisters.
@@miapdx503 It's terrifying to imagine being a child thrown out into the streets. Having nobody and no place to go...💔💔
@@marylougeorge9890 it was, terrifying, all the time. I ran myself ragged running from predators...thankfully some pimps protected me, giving me time to grow up. I was terribly naive...without their protection I would have torn to pieces.
she went through all that and she STILL has that empathy, love, emotional intelligence and sense of responsibility for her kids. She's 1000x the mother her biologically-technical "mother" is. Amazing. Girl, you're not alone, ever. Even if no one comes to see you, you are still loved. I wish you a Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Valentine's Day, for the rest of your life :-)
made me tear up!
Wtf.
She is a child abuser. How dare you.
@@idiotbuster8662 what, how?
She didn't have one negative thing to say about anyone. For someone in her position, with her history, that is absolutely incredible. My heart hurts for her.
So much trauma and pain yet she still shows so much insight, strength and potential. An amazing person who has suffered through unimaginable circumstances over and over again since she entered this world. She deserves so much more from life. The people who were supposed to love her told her she doesn’t matter. YOU MATTER SONYA 💗💗💗
Christ girl, the fact that you're still alive is a testament to how strong you are. I really hope the best for you, you seem like a beautiful person and deserve way better. No one deserves the shit you been through. Stay strong.
Just donated after watching Sonya. First time donating. Mark does such fantastic work, not many could do what he does!
How can I donate?
@@george._sir._gemini.175 hey George, there's a link to the gofundme in the video description, can you see it? Fantastic that you want to donate 👏👏👏
@@jololo1 : Thank you for the info.
I wish there was someone like him in my area. My area doesn’t care about people like us.
This woman is an absolute warrior.... this is why people turn to drugs addicts are not self made its a last stitch effort at trying to feel nothing after enduring EVERYTHING. My heart goes out to anyone whose endured abuse and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. 💖
Addicts are pathetic and don’t deserve that narcan shot. Let them go so we don’t have to continue seeing people like this suffer for being so weak. Pathetic
@@reaper526 I believe you just told the world how pathetic you are by saying such vile things about someone you don't know. Get a life loser.
@@reaper526 I hope noone you know suffers the hell of addiction, it can effect anyone, it does not discriminate, unlike you.
@Reaper Zero compassion. I hope people treat you better than you would.
@@reaper526 you are a little bitch i would smack tf out of you and run your pockets punk. i hope all your loved ones die from horrible genetic diseases beyond thier control. weak ass littl bitch
In the rooms of AA and NA there are people who can identify and appreciate her pain and want to help her. So many recovered addicts turn out to be a wonderful examples for the rest of the world. I hope she finds us we are waiting with open arms.
Amazing how after all of the horrendous things she described, the one thing you focus on is the fact that she's taking drugs... as if the drugs are somehow a central factor in her misfortune... I mean, how could anyone stay sober in a situation like hers anyway?
You wouldn't preach sobriety to a person with an open bone fracture, you'd recognise that they're suffering and give them some morphine. Sonya is suffering so much that she's cutting herself with knives and you have the audacity to preach a sobriety...
She has a damn good reason to do drugs, and for your information they are not the source of her problems at all. The drugs may in fact be the very thing that keeps her surviving another day. That's something you should respectfully consider.
@@steinarjonsson_there's comfort in knowing and sharing with people who truly understand. That's the superpower of 12 step groups. They become family of choice.
@@steinarjonsson_ I know plenty of people in the rooms of AA and NA who have gone through many of the same situations and used as a coping mechanism. It's impossible to heal from trauma while you're still using, getting high is a very temporary solution to a long term wound.
How could anyone possibly endure that amount of pain, abuse, neglect betray sober? I never touched a drug in my life but i understand that after a certain point you just wanna numb out the pain..Her crystalmeth-cooking careless abusive parents failed her so badly-how to build a solid house with no foundation?
Imagine how different her live would be if she had been born into a middle or upper class loving family. Like you were saying, this kind of trauma beginning at birth is just too much for almost anyone to overcome. The world can def be an incredibly harsh place. Her sister beat her son to death. I mean she's never once not been being traumatized. It's so sad.
@@bryan123483 yes-the part with the sister i almost hoped to have gotten wrong but you confirm what i heard or what she wanted to share but couldnt completely. How alone must you feel and how hard must it be to form any relation to any human being if everyone who was supposed to love and protect you abandoned and abused you??!! heartbreaking
This broke my heart. That her biggest fear is not death itself; it’s dying alone and forgotten with no one to bury or mourn her.
@@Stephanie-is3mh its really so extremly sad. Her loneliness is so tangible.
The trauma that she went through is unimaginable I could not even imagine how heartbreaking
She is doing the most unselfish thing a mom could do by giving her children to someone else. She knows they are better without her. That’s hard. I want to help her so much
The pain in her body when she spoke of loosing her baby at 3, just heartbreaking.
Please update us with her story
I was thinking the same thing! I hope her kids find her one day so she feels like someone looked for her that loves her. I just want to hug her
Maybe now with her kids gone she'll have time to go to raves again!
Party time bitch!!!!!!
The most unselfish thing a mom could do is to get clean and be there for her kids. It’s quite easy to hand over your responsibilities to someone else and let them do your job, especially when you’re strung out on drugs. You know there’s a problem with our culture when actively choosing drugs over your own children is considered “unselfish.”
James- Quite easy!? Damn, she was raped and abused since she was a baby. Have a heart a-hole.
My heart really goes out to this woman. I wish someone could get her some help. This is the first video that really brings tears to the eyes. I think she's a genuinely good person and has been through more than most and is still surviving it. She deserves so much better.
I can only imagine the life she would have had with a loving family. She is so articulate and wise and strong! I wish someone could provide her with some guidance and help her get on her feet. She sounds like such a good person.
I watched 11 minutes and decided not to watch anymore. This was ripping my heart out. Poor lady. She seems intelligent and articulate, still, with all the drug use! I can only imagine how her life could have turned out had she had better parents. Life sucks for a lot of people. It's not fair. I really wish her the best and I'm sure that everyone else feels the same way.
I'm 5 minutes in and my heart is breaking for the way her life has pummelled her straight into the ground. I pray this lady catches a break. She needs it.
How is she going to get a break? She cant stay sober long enough to know if theres is a break, even if it is right in front of her!
@@gregoryford7828 shut up
The ending made me cry. When he said “:stay safe out there” I broke. She’d just gotten a gun pulled on her for no reason a few minutes before, and now she has to go back out there. Ive been thinking about her for days. Is there like any way for me to send money to her so she can get a motel and eat comfortably for a couple nights? She deserves to remember what it’s like to at least have a roof over her head. If there’s any way for me to send money /essentials please please let me know guys. I can’t sleep without thinking about this
How can a child be blamed for being raped by her father for several years. Disgusting!!
My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry for what you've been through and the loss of your son.
You have the most beautiful coloured eyes 💙
And then to be considered a liar by your family?😢💔
@@marylougeorge9890 absolutely awful!!
Sadly, this is common. People don't want to acknowledge reality.
Happened to my mom. She ended up on drugs too but eventually turned her life around. I hope this young lady can, too. She deserves a decent life.
@@marylougeorge9890 heartbreaking
This is a classic example of why we should never judge others.
Sonya, if you ever glance at the comments know your not alone anymore. you got mark and the brothers and sisters on this channel.
That poor girl has had more trauma,hurt and loss in her life than any human could handle.I hope she finds peace and happiness in her life someday.
Sonya, I know many of Mark’s viewers would care if something happened to you. We would love an update to make sure you’re safe.
No one cares. Just another egocentric parasite.
We don't care.
The best update would be she has been jailed.
@@idiotbuster8662 the don’t care part I would agree with. The jailed part less so. Having the taxpayer pay for her isn’t really the optimal outcome.
I agree, I very much care. I would totally love an update. I wish nothing but the best for her
@@sophiag8277 yeah pretty sure you are losing sleep over it… NOT! Fake empathy makes me sick!
I got chills when she was retelling the conversation with her mom about being scared of herself and needing help. I'm so grateful for my mom, she is my angel. I wish everyone could have the same love from their parents. So heart-breaking. Thanks Mark for sharing her story, hopefully this will get her some of that help. She has an amazing heart and a good head on her shoulders.
How much pain and abuse can a person take before they start destroying themselves with drugs and more abuse. The fact that Sonya is still standing is proof of human resilience. I hope expressing her story gives her the courage and self confidence to save herself.
I believe in you girl!! I've been through horror myself. I am an ex heroin and meth addict. I am fighting hard to keep my life this way!! I couldn't walk for over 2 years because of my IV drug use but you have to put your foot down and say enough is enough! Don't let the abusers win! You are strong af and a survivor! Tell your story and be the motivation to other young girls in similar shoes that they don't need to turn to drugs like we did, it only makes things worse.... at least for me it did. Prays and lots of love sent your way!!!
someone give this lady a safe and healthy community, she's had a absolutely rotten start but the rest of her journey still has a beautiful hope - it would be incredibly hard for her to see but I 100% believe in miracles
yes, you are right, she needs exactly that - a community to belong to. Even just money may not help her as much as a community.
Everyone needs a safe healthy community.
She needs to be safe and healthy herself before any safe community wants her.
I believe and would love to help just pray we can find contact with her!!
Addicts choose their drug over a safe and healthy life. She needs to want to be clean first, or nothing will help her.
This is possibly my favorite person yet. I mean there are a lot of interesting people on this channel, that i love listening to.. dont get me wrong BUT there’s something about this girl that i love more than any of the others. You can tell she’s highly intelligent. She’s given thought to most everything that comes across her path and she’s SO humble about it. Omg, is she humble. I can’t wait to hear more from her. The girl is bomb, and i wish she could see it for herself.. maybe she does…. but enough to want to change her lifestyle.. even if it isn’t as exciting.. she could possibly be really comfortable in her own bed, with her own things and her own peace of mind.
SAME!!!
Ive watched many of ur videos and this one hit me differently. Shes so clear on things and speaks volumes. I pray she gets the help she needs. I cryed with this one. Shes so alone and she needs people. U can tell by how she speaks she wants help and she wants to do the right things. Shame on her parents. Shame on anyone who has harmed her. Stay safe girl!! ❤
Some people really have the odds extremely stacked against them from birth. Smh
I felt the same way. This story just felt so different. This poor girl.
@@come_on_barbie_123 yep they do ... u r a nice & understanding person 4 not victim-blaming, like alot (not *all*) people do...
@@janethanna9023 its not victim blaming.
Its being a responsible person.
Nobody is going to come and save you. You make the choice to continue your life as it is or change it.
She choose to take drugs and be homeless and be in an abusive relationship and give birth and everything else she chose since adulthood.
This one really hit me. She is the sort of person that most people would ignore or look down upon. But she is a sensitive person with an insane childhood and an amazing amount of selflessness and strength. It is so sad that she had the life she had, but even despite that she believes in a better future. She has more humanity than most people I know. These videos are amazing
This woman is a different type of strong. Imagine she applied her strength into something productive. I hope a miracle truly happens for her 🙏🏽
Look at the affect she has had on all of us who have listened to her story. That is big! That is productive on an earthly scale. Her words have weight.
It takes a lot to make me cry, but what a wonderful, articulate, intelligent and compassionate women, she deserves so much better.
Sonya, I hope you can prove your mom and dad wrong! My parents were mean to me. My mom even said she wished I’d never been born, too. And I hadn’t even done anything wrong. I won almost every award in high school because of my determination and being head strong. I graduated at 17, packed my car and my parents never even told me good bye or helped me pack. My 2 best friends and I rented an apartment together. I worked 2-3 jobs while I was in college. Received my 1st B. S. Degree. Married a great guy, had 2 sons, went back to college, received my nursing degree. Then had my 3rd child right after. I was 45 when my elderly mom finally told me she loved me because she finally heard me telling my children all the time I loved them. You can stop that the generational curse if that’s what it is. You don’t have to let those heart aches define your future! Many prayers and blessings for you! ❤️
Sonya...YOU MATTER!! You are a blessing to this world, and you deserve love, respect, kindness and understanding. Keep your head high, you're still here for a reason. Forgive yourself, every single day, until you believe you have a purpose...because you do. Sending you love.
This poor woman :/ this series has opened up my eyes so much, when I see homeless and drug/drink effected people I don’t judge anymore, addiction usually always is there to cover up trauma. My heart goes out to this poor woman
Not all traumatised people are addicts, but all addicts are traumatised people.
@@charlottetaylor4471 Wise Comment, 🖤
what mark is doing is so important.. hopefully "normal" people that see this will open their minds and hearts to learn more about the human condition and hopefully do something for someone else who is in need for whatever.. so mark leita you are a true human being and i should hope to be as accepting and tolerating as you are.. thanks for great content every fuckin time.. from the cold cold north of sweden
Watching these (and I live on the other side of the planet, but you can be sure there are people like this here), it really makes me think of what I can do. These interviews really open one's eyes. What is the best use of my time if I volunteer and my money to help the best way possible? I'm investigating effective altruism here down under to find the best use of my donations--I hope I can make a difference to someone.
America is such a dark disaster. It's humiliating that we don't have more resources for people like Sonya.
Maybe you can start something to help people like Sonya, why wait for others to do it? If people like you actually did something instead of just criticizing, America wouldn't be such a "dark disaster".
@Liz Q you literally know nothing about me. For all you know I already have. Or maybe I, too, have a dark story of my own. America IS a disaster.
@@kellyfeger The world is a disaster. Life is suffering. And it’s not humiliating. We do what we can.
@Otherself Obviously, you aren't understanding. I said 'we', as in the United States, are humiliating. Our nation is an embarrassment for how it treats its own citizens, whether it's the poor, poc, women, or the lgbt community. If you don't get that, then you're a fool.
The “war on drugs” is doing much more harm than good.
Poor lady, every day I get disgusted by peoples actions. I hope she gets better and overcomes this. The saddest part is they all of the people that are addicted to substances are aware of this and want to stop but they can’t because they don’t have support that they need. Awful awful story…
Probably the most genuine, heartfelt interview I've seen on your channel so far Mark. Sonya is such a beautiful, hurting, broken soul. My heart breaks for her and it breaks my heart to even think about how many others there are out on these streets just like her. This is brilliant, eye-opening journalism what you're doing here, giving a voice to those who aren't heard through these RUclips videos. Keep it up.
She deserves a restart at life. This broke my heart. God help her soul and lift her spirits. Sending her so much love 💕
I’m not a religious man, but I pray for her.
Sonya, I would "look" for you. I'm 63, live alone (me n my cat) but no one checks.on me either. I suffer from PTSD, major depression. I'm here for you, please don't give up on yourself. There are people out here that love you . Thanks to this channel. Stay strong, my sweetie 🥰
@Mary, May God cover and protect you. Being able to give those words to another are a gift from the Lord.
Hey Mary, hope you and your lovely kitty are doing okay x
Stories like hers are why people struggle with faith. How COULD someone believe that there is a force of good in the world when they're lives are so filled with suffering. I pray that Sonya is graced with the strength to get herself into a better situation, find peace and have a positive influence in her children's lives. As always, thank you Mark.
Well said.
People don't have to believe in God to hold humanity in the highest regard. Many of us have faith in each other, in humanness, and the fragility of grace and dignity. Sonya has known the type of existence that would break most of us. But she's still here. She knows she has something else to give and I hope she understands that she is loved by people who have never met her, and don't love her because God told us to, but because she is a human who deserves love. Period.
Maybe you have the wrong idea of God -
She's a realist and her reality is hell, she neither has the time nor the stupidity to believe in childish fairytales written thousands of years ago to keep unruly children in check
Not even 5 minutes in and I’m already tearing up. Bless her. She seems like a such nice person, and also has a lot of potential. I wish I could befriend or just talk to her. She’s been betrayed her whole life by the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally. And that just breaks my heart. Keep us posted on her.
Not even 5 minutes in and I realise she is a pathological liat and a sociopath.
The amount of naïvety in these comments is ridiculous.
She's literally screaming for help throughout the whole interview. I hope she gets it. She said some eye-watering stuff.
This beautiful woman has endured hell throughout her entire life, yet still retains an amazing clarity and perspective in spite of decades of hard drug abuse. She is articulate and authentic, communicating the dangerous reality of the daily lives of women living in her circumstances. Your life matters to this woman. ❤️
Natural reaction to UNNATURAL situations. I could NOT IMAGINE the pain!
She, like all of us, needs and deserves to feel loved.
Imma pray for you.
I can understand turning to drugs when family isnt really family. Not only heart breaking but disgusting what happened to you.
Hard to see the beauti in one's self when your own family doesn't appreciate the gift of you.
I used to roll too. I had a lot of pain also. Took years to stop. And if I had no way off the streets I don't think i would have had a way to stop. My heart goes out to you
Its a miracle this woman is alive!! It's no wonder that she is using drugs - it's been her coping mechanism, her way to survive, her escape from the hell that she calls her reality! I hope that she finds a way out of her lifestyle and gets to experience true happiness. Every person in the world deserves to experience that atleast once.. xxx
From all the people you have interviewed, I just get such a sense of acceptance and grounding from her in a way I haven't really seen from others - the calm she possesses in such a tragic and tough life so far and her desire for happiness in the important things like having people around you who love and care for you. I'm so glad you found her. She is so unique in this way. Bless her
Hearing this, having my sleeping 3 year old in the other room definitely breaks my heart in every shape and form. I wish this woman the best.
I’ve watched quite a few of SWU where addicts are interviewed. I’m a recovering alcoholic (like, wreck a career, almost lose custody of a child, clinically die alcoholic). It’s a little like group to watch these videos. They give me strength. I had to stop this one. I was crying. It broke my heart. Sonya, I know it’s been over a year since your interview was uploaded, but: YOU DESERVE TO BE LOVED. I wish nothing but the best for you. Stay as safe as you can.