Born Premature, Loved Overdue: A Memoir of Survivor's Guilt, Neglect and Abuse (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798877671799)

In a universe where warmth and connection are promises, R. Antonio Matta, prematurely born, is thrust into a chilling void of affection. His compelling memoir, Born Premature, Loved Overdue, is an "emotive-reflective" narrative interspersed with poetry. It charts a course through the icy seas of neglect and emotional torment. As a young boy, his mother's concealed cancer, triggered by his premature birth, steals her away too soon, leaving him in the austere care of a stern, faith-bound legal guardian-his maternal grandmother.

His existence, marked more by dread than comfort, becomes a tragic saga. Antonio's yearning for love and connection starkly contrasted against the cold reality of his upbringing, fuels invisible adversaries of various mental health conditions. These psychological maelstroms, his unwanted, unwelcomed, steadfast companions, morph his life into a battleground of fear and isolation.

Haunted by survivor's guilt, intensified by his grandmother's unjust blame, Antonio weaves a tale of silent suffering and self-inflicted harm. A raw narrative likened to "being fed baby formula mixed with finely ground glass" shines a light on the invisible wounds many carry.

Yet, within this relentless storm, Born Premature, Loved Overdue emerges as an undeniable testament to human resilience. It's a journey of personal growth and forgiveness, breaking free from emotional abuse, and discovering the power of truth. Antonio's story inspires and uplifts, spotlighting the strength of the human spirit and the healing potency of truth-telling.

Prepare to embark on an odyssey through silent torment and witness the transformative vigor of one man's journey-a boy who arrived too soon and found love far too late.