With the exception of cutting myself, this list describes what my typical day looked like for more than five decades, until I began writing about the child sexual violence I endured.
Writing helped me begin the journey, but the deeper healing, the kind that happens at a cellular level, did not begin until I started reading my story out loud to another person.
Other survivors sat with me and bore witness with loving, open hearts. They could not fix me, but they created a safe and brave place where I could finally be seen, heard, and believed.
Thank you to The Gatehouse for creating that space for me. You are far more than a circle of chairs. You gently guided me back to myself. I am alive today because of your understanding and compassion.
Child sexual violence is the original war. It is a war against children. But when individuals and communities show up with love and support, something powerful happens. The room transforms into a gathering of beloved warriors. When that happens, evil and hate simply cannot exist. Much love 💖