You know, it`s a gloomy day here in Sturgis....and with the anniversary of Brittney`s disappearance coming up in a little over a week.....and with having thoughts of her fresh in my mind and heart from being on this site ....I find myself being just so sad....and not just for her, but for all those children who are missing, whether they survived or not.
In some ways it`s seems almost easier to remember those who we know did not survive (please don`t think I`m awful for saying that) than those who are just "out there someplace"....not knowing if they are dead or alive, or if they are alive, what might be happening to them.The not knowing ....how do people who have someone missing deal with it???? How do they live with the horrible dread and hope all at the same time? It is more than my mind can handle even thinking of it.
It seems that this world is getting worse and worse as far as abuse issues go.....and more often than not it is abuse prepitrated by families against their own.
I can remember being a little girl back in the 1950`s and my mother telling me to NEVER take anything from a "stranger"....NEVER get in a car with a "stranger".....that`s simply what folks thought back then. They did`nt want to believe that it could be someone they were related to, or someone they considered to be a friend....but it was`nt a 'stranger" who molested me.....it was an uncle and some of his "friends'....someone known and trusted by our family.....and that`s not just me.....many of the women I have worked with in groups report that it was a family member or family friend. In fact I don`t recall at the moment of even one woman saying she was grabbed off the street and molested by a "stranger".
The only good thing I can see happening is that I do believe more of us are beginning to "get our heads out of the sand" concerning abuse and are better equipping our children and grandchildren (as well as being taught in schools) how to, hopefully, avoid becoming a victim, and to TELL if it does happen.
My counselor once told me that it is hidding from the truth, and wearing the shame (that does`nt belong to us, but should belong to the perp) that does the most damage, because as long as it is hidden the issues that surround the abuse don`t get dealt with. He said a child that can find a way to tell it, is believed, the abuse stopped, and the child helped to cope does not end up having nearly so many problems with the aftermath of the abuse later in life.
It helps me to believe that those who did not survive are safe now in a Better Place... and for those who have committed horrible deeds against another human being, but have not ,and may not ever be caught in their lifetime, I do believe that One Day they will answer for their acts....that they will NOT "get by with it" Forever , but will get their just payment!!!
These are just some of my random thoughts today.....my words here don`t require anyone to respond.....it`s just rather theraputic for me to write them out......and it`s been a long time since I "journaled" anything ....guess that`s what Im doing here....because I feel comfortable with you all.
Thanks for making me feel welcome here....and thank you all for caring so much about others. You are a blessing!
Have a great day....I hope the sun is shining on you wherever you are!
Linda
