"Life was perfect until I was 11," says Spirit who lives in Hermann, Missouri.
Spirit is a 13-year-old girl in the difficult transition from childhood to womanhood. One minute she is sensual and sexual, full of the knowledge of her power as a woman, the next a giggling girl, joking with her friends and acting silly.
She has done some modeling and was a state finalist for Miss Missouri Pre-Teen. However, trouble with the law and a stay in a group home made her drop out of competition.
She is prescribed Paxil for depression and another medication to make her sleep but says sometimes she skips because it makes her feel different.
And small towns can be unforgiving.
Some see Spirit as trouble and she is often accused of dressing and acting inappropriately. In a community where lack of options and lack of excitement can lead to problems, many girls only a few years older than Spirit have babies, often more than one. At 13 it is hard to believe that the path may already be set…will Spirit be rising or falling?
5 responses
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Joerg Schlagheck said (17 Jul 2008):
Cool capture and story, Leah! Life is full of surprises and it is impossible to predict what might become of Spirit!
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William Moore gave props (20 Jul 2008):
terrific photo and story....hope she rises!!!!
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Peter Voerman gave props (26 Oct 2008):
I really like your work!! great 'headless' shot !!
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Marty McAuliff said (13 Nov 2008):
Another fine portrait...and also fine reporting.
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Ken McElroy gave props (11 Feb 2009):
Your images are "worth a thousand words", brimming with wit and intelligence. Thanks for sharing.
