Share Your Story

I have read the stories of estranged mothers on facebook groups and on other forums. The sacrifices you made, the betrayals you experienced, the struggles of moving on. I understand the grief of being cut off by adult children—the silence, the stigma, the isolation, the shock and disbelief, and the way it can push women toward health issues, poverty or even homelessness – all during years that were meant to be golden. Your story matters, and it deserves to be heard in your own voice.

As a feminist, I believe the personal is political. By sharing our lived realities, we make space for understanding, accountability, and change.

What I’m Collecting

First-person life stories from 30 or more mothers who have been estranged or abandoned by their adult children. Write in your voice—raw, reflective, hopeful, angry, or anything in between.

• Anonymity or name: Publish under your name or anonymously—your choice.
• Verification: During submission, please include your legal name for authentication. It will remain confidential unless you explicitly permit publication. Non disclosure documents to be signed by me.

How to Submit

• Format:
• Quantitative Form : Fill out the one page of yes, no  maybe type questions on the CDI form. Check boxes, or scalar quantity only. Please ask for it thru email.
• Qualitative : Paste your story into an email or attach a Word document (.docx) or PDF.
• Length: No strict limit. As a guide, 1,500 – 2,500 words work well, but shorter or longer is welcome too.
• Send to: abandonedmothers@gmail.com with subject line: “My Story – YourName”.
• Optional: You may include photos or documents if you wish (not required).
• Let me know if you want your name to be used, or you want to write anonymously

What to Include In Qualitative (Optional Prompts)

• A comprehensive background about your life with your children.
• Whether you were a single mother and what did bringing up the children on your own look like?
• What happened and when the estrangement began
• What you tried—conversations, mediation, therapy, letters
• How this has affected your health, work, finances, and relationships, lifestyle.
• How and when did you first come to terms with it, if at all. What helped, what did’nt? How long did it take and what does coming to terms look like for you?
• What you wish friends, professionals, or the public understood, then, amd now?
• A message (if any) to your children and to mothers like you, or anyone else.

Follow-Up & Interviews

Some contributors may be invited to a brief online interview (Zoom or Google Meet). Participation in  the interview is optional, will only occur with your consent, and is co confidential.

Editing & Use

Stories may be lightly edited for clarity and length, with your approval, before publication. Selected stories may appear in the book, on the website and/or in related advocacy or research projects, with your approval. We will confirm permissions with you for any other use. Confidentially maintained as per your wishes.

Payment & Recognition

There is no remuneration at this time. If you choose to be named, we will credit you as the author of your piece.

Privacy & Safety

Your identifying details are stored securely and will not be shared without your consent. If you are in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services or a trusted support line in your area.

---

If you’d like to participate—or simply to ask a question—email abandonedmothers@gmail.com. Your voice matters. Your story can help others feel less alone.