Each week, Swampscott Reporter editor Katrina Powell rounds up and reflects on her recent published work, giving readers an in-depth look at life in the newsroom. This post does not reflect the opinions of the Swampscott Reporter or its parent company, GateHouse Media New England. All opinions expressed in the post belong to Katrina Powell, and did not hinder her ability to be objective and unbiased in her reporting and writing.
Everyone has a story. And it’s that story that, in part, contributes to who a person ultimately becomes.
In my work as a reporter and editor, I am fortunate enough to meet folks from all walks of life every day, each with a unique personal narrative and outlook on life.
And when those people become the subject of a human interest article, it’s often necessary to dive deep into the private, and sometimes painful, portions of their story in order to understand the picture as a whole. I am always left in awe at how open and honest people can be; I am eternally thankful for their candor.
Sharing your story with the world isn’t easy, and I commend those people who willingly let me into their lives, so that I may disseminate their experiences to the community.
This past week, I interviewed an amazing local woman named Dale Stanten, who shared with me her remarkable story of heartbreak, hope and courage, which she details in her memoir , “The Hooker’s Daughter.”
Read a portion of the article below, published in the Swampscott Reporter, and click on the link to read the article in its entirety.
For more information, or to buy the book, visit www.thehookersdaughter.com.
‘Hooker’s daughter’ shares story of triumph over adversity
Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Mattapan, Dale Stanten had an upbringing that was anything but conventional. When times were tough and money was tight, Stanten’s mother would do whatever was necessary to take care of her two children.
A prostitute for most of her life, Stanten’s mother engaged in behavior that was no secret to the community her family lived in, forcing Stanten to grow up ashamed, hurt and resentful.
“She never stopped,” Stanten said. “It certainly decreased as my mother aged, but I don’t think it really ever stopped… I resented it and I wanted her to stop. I didn’t want to suffer as a child. And even as an adult, it followed me. But on the other hand, I loved her. You really love your parents no matter what they hand you.”
It would have been easy for Stanten to allow her difficult childhood and negative feelings to take a toll on her, she said. But instead, Stanten chose to rise above it all, and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
the northeast ginger 