Who knew that right here in Hollywood Studios I would find a little cafe that catered to wrtiers. Was it fate? Perhaps, or maybe just luck that I happened to stumble upon this little treasure and couldn't resisit a photo op.
Years ago my writing started out as theraputic. It was a way for me to express myself without having to actually say the words. It was private and safe. But as everything does in life, my writing has evolved. I am much stronger now and no longer confined within my shame. My writing was meant to be something more...it was meant to be shared.
And so I tiptoed down a path, unsure of where to start and unaware of where it would take me. I followed each curve and was surprised at what I found as I went along. I discovered compassion, acceptance, and understanding. For years I felt that what happened to my family was unique. Now I know that it is happening to families everywhere, and only a few are brave enough to talk about it.
Each time I hear of another story of abuse I know that my calling is closer. I don't just want to get my book into their hands, I need to. When somebody is subjected to abuse the sense of isolation sets in. They may not know where or how to seek out the help that they need to get through the pain. My story is one way to reach these people.
A good friend of mine recently attended a writers conference and was drawn to one of the keynote speakers Barbara J. Hansen. She talked about her own experience of abuse and how she works towards healing. Afterwards my friend purchased me an autograph copy of her book Listen to the Cry of the Child. Books like these are invaluable to survivors, yet often hard to obtain because most publishing houses are leary of taking on such a controversial topic. Should we not publish books just because society is not ready to accept that abuse is taking place in homes all across the United States, or should we take a stand against violence and let the victims know that they do not need to be ashamed as they are not the ones who did anything wrong. I am choosing the latter. I am a writer, the mother of a survivor, and an advocate for those who cannot find a voice for themselves.
And so I tiptoed down a path, unsure of where to start and unaware of where it would take me. I followed each curve and was surprised at what I found as I went along. I discovered compassion, acceptance, and understanding. For years I felt that what happened to my family was unique. Now I know that it is happening to families everywhere, and only a few are brave enough to talk about it.
Each time I hear of another story of abuse I know that my calling is closer. I don't just want to get my book into their hands, I need to. When somebody is subjected to abuse the sense of isolation sets in. They may not know where or how to seek out the help that they need to get through the pain. My story is one way to reach these people.
A good friend of mine recently attended a writers conference and was drawn to one of the keynote speakers Barbara J. Hansen. She talked about her own experience of abuse and how she works towards healing. Afterwards my friend purchased me an autograph copy of her book Listen to the Cry of the Child. Books like these are invaluable to survivors, yet often hard to obtain because most publishing houses are leary of taking on such a controversial topic. Should we not publish books just because society is not ready to accept that abuse is taking place in homes all across the United States, or should we take a stand against violence and let the victims know that they do not need to be ashamed as they are not the ones who did anything wrong. I am choosing the latter. I am a writer, the mother of a survivor, and an advocate for those who cannot find a voice for themselves.
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