Memoir
Date Published: October 4, 2022
Teresa Benitez—an engineer, doctor, and professor—had three
abortions between 2004 and 2022. Although she was against abortion until
2004, her first pregnancy awakened her deepest fears: was she good enough to
raise a family? Or would her unresolved childhood trauma, and resulting
mental illness, render her incapable of love?
In Unburdening, each pregnancy termination is meticulously described. The
aftermath of each abortion is explored, including the mystifying blend of
relief and distress that often remains after the procedure is over.
A moving memoir infused with poetic prose, Unburdening is a story of
motherhood, abortion, and mental health. It delves into generational trauma,
survival, love, self-forgiveness, and healing.
EXCERPT
As a child, yearning for maternal love
“But I did not give up. I wanted my mother to love me. I craved her attention, her embrace. I desperately searched for a slow song to dance to, my face on her shoulder, our hearts in sync, our breathing melodic and slow and warm. But she did not have any songs for me. There is so much wrong with me, if she cannot love me. She is so beautiful. Her skin is radiant, her teeth so white and perfect; look at how she smiles at others. They deserve her. One day, she will smile that way at me, too. But not if I keep doing so much wrong. I wish she would tell me what I need to fix, so I could do it for her. And then, we will sing and dance together. She will find me, and I will never be lost again.”
About the Author
Born in Puerto Rico in 1984, Teresa Benitez has a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in
Mechanical Engineering. She was an engineering professor for nine years.
Teresa currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her ten-year-old
daughter and three cats.
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