Life with a Monster

By: Sherri Olson

Narrated by: Anna Gilliam-Abbasi

My name is Sherri. I am a mother of five beautiful children, a daughter of the Rosebud Reservation, and a survivor. I was born in Winner, South Dakota, and raised with the traditions, stories, and strength of my Lakota heritage. My life has been shaped not only by love and motherhood but also by pain and healing.

Through the darkness, I found light in my children, in my roots, and slowly in myself. Being a mother has given me purpose. Each of my children has been a reason to keep moving forward, to fight for peace, and to rediscover the strength that had always lived within me. They gave me the courage to break cycles, to speak truth, and reclaim my power.

My journey has not been easy. There were days I didn't think I'd make it through. But I did, and today, I share my story not in shame, but in hope that others who have endured similar pain will know they are not alone, and that healing is possible.

This is not just a story of survival, it's a story of resilience, love, and becoming whole again.

©2025 Sherri Olson (P)2026 Sherri Olson

beautifully written

this is a beautifully written story of pain and perseverance. it is a beacon that shows no matter what you are going through you are not alone and you can get help and get out.