I am a F*cking Miracle
A Story of Brokenness, Pain, Recovery and the Miracle of Second Chances
by Ellen Livingstone

---

The odds were stacked against her from the beginning. Born in rural British Columbia, Ellen spent much of her childhood with her siblings in an old, small, one-bedroom trailer without power or running water. Raised primarily by an alcoholic father, after losing her mother at a young age, Ellen was—in her own words—the “weird, dirty, bush kid who wore dirty clothes to school … and that nobody wanted to play with.” By the age of ten, Ellen had already been sexually abused by several people, also by the age ten, she had her first experience with drugs. By grade six, she was drinking regularly, seeking to become oblivious to the world around her—often as her father’s drinking buddy. At just seventeen, Ellen became pregnant with her first daughter, and she soon found herself in a series of abusive relationships. Along the way, her second daughter was born, and as she continued to struggle with alcoholism and depression, her daughters also lost their chances for a normal childhood. Yet amazingly, Ellen’s story is testimony that second chances are possible, as she shares how she found help through meditation, community programs, and especially Alcoholics Anonymous. Told with honesty and insight, Ellen’s story is ultimately one of hope: I am a F*cking Miracle is proof that our past does not define us, and it is possible to live a sober life full of love and inner peace.

www.ellenlivingstone.com

---

Ellen Livingstone was born and raised in rural Northern B.C. Today she lives in her hometown with her spouse and her canine best friend, Daisy. Her two daughters are now adults and live on their own, building a beautiful future for themselves. Although barely able to read and write after leaving school as a teenager, Ellen went back to school later in life and has used the power of words to tell her own story. She wants others to know that although alcoholism is a terrible disease, it is never too late to go for help and start a new life chapter.

---

Contributors

Author

Ellen Livingstone

Editor

Tami Carlin