Dare to Hope

I was born February 03/56 full of love, trust, hope and life.
I had a Mind, Body and Soul.
Very early in life my Mind and Soul were violently torn away
by the two people who gave me that life.
I was left with a Body.

My Body was Abused and Beaten on a daily basis.
“I” no longer existed;
“She” came and learned how to be obedient and take the Abuse
without complaint. “She” was just an object to be used.
“She became my Body.

At age 16 I trusted in someone enough to tell about the Abuse.
I truly believe I was on my way back.
I was beaten back to the shell that was “She” to be protected once
more. “We” tried to destroy our body without success.
“We” just existed.

I learned, in 20 years, to use my Mind and think for myself.
I took back my Mind.
At age 36, I reclaimed my life; Mind, Body and Soul. I chose to
walk away from the abusers and learn to love and trust in myself.
I took back my Body.

I accepted myself for who I am and took responsibility for the
choices made but would not take responsibility for what I had no
control over. I did not cause my Abuse!
“I took back my Mind, Body and Soul!”

I know I have a long way to go to fully believe and trust in others
but I DARE to HOPE and I embrace LIFE!
I accept that – “I AM ME!”


B.

Letter to Michael

Michael,

You have no idea what this form of expression has allowed me to set free. Of all the forms of therapy, assistance or help I sought, NOTHING allowed me to set free the final stages of my abuse like the Survivor Monument Project.

I had no idea what was to come of the Dini Petti show I watched the day you were on. Since I never watched it before I assumed it was meant to be.

When you yourself answered the phone that same afternoon, I knew it was fate.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to become part of, what I think, is the most important job on earth - stopping the abuse of any living thing or person.

Because of you, I am me!


B.