Stef- (I hope you do not take offense at me referring to you as Stef... I have a cousin by the same full name, and that's how she chooses to be addressed . it seems convenient, practical, and easy to input! If it offends you let me know.,)
My family had the necessity to address, as an outsider had married into the family seemingly to take advantage of my nieces during thier childhood years. (WTF?!?) Myself, I cannot comprehend the ultimate betrayal that your experiences would require of such a perpetrator of such a vile and beastly act. maybe God himself can forgive these actions, however they lay beyond my merely human abilities at this point. These actions are what evil on earth looks like to me.
I lost a friend, but he was a Service member that chose to sign up for active duty. there is a certain acknowledgement of danger with that signature. I cannot even comprehend a parent, family member, Church person, or anybody else who would take advantage of young child in your situation. honestly, it is repugnant to the deepest part of my soul, and if I could remove or alleviate this pain from you by taking those memories from your mind and sealing them within my own, I would do so in a heartbeat, with no questions or favors asked. I find it hard to believe that any other sane soul would do otherwise). For crying out loud- taking advantage of another person when you are in a position of responsibility, or authority is unfathomable. for what benefit? to get your jollies?!? unbelievable. That s*** has got to stop.
As of this point, I have not discussed the actual events on the boards regarding my own issues, but I have at the PTSD group at the VA -but I have discussed here a couple of the triggering events.
Maybe you find with yourself, that the actual events are closely guarded, you may be hesitant to discuss them even those closest to you. I know this case with me.
Please keep coming back here, Steph, and I want you to know your contributions are needed, wanted, and loved.
:hug:
Matt
