At 17,going on 18, I have had a complicated life to say the least. I was born 4 months early and was very ill. I lost my hearing at age 9 due to an MD's mistake.After that it was surgery after surgery.My father has never been involved in my life. I believed in fairy tales once like any other young girl.I did in fact gain a stepfather. When I was 12 my mother was diagnosed with cancer.When I was 15, I began cutting myself.I was placed in a psychiatric hospital for 5 days. However,cutting is an addiction. I am 17 and have had 17 surgeries. i don't feel 17.My dream is to graduate high school and be a social worker so I can help people.My friends all go to movies and on dates and such, I have done those,but I feel as though I am not a typical teenager.a normal teen would want a night away from parents, I enjoy spending time with them.My commitment to my family is higher than winning prom queen or something.