I was a child, six months old. You left me in the bathtub while you answered the door. Did you want me to drown?
I was a child, a baby, running a high fever in the middle of winter. You pushed my highchair in front of an open window to cool me down. Did your mother teach you that?
I was a child, a toddler, You dug your nails into my underarms so none would see the bruises. Granny didn’t understand why I cried so hard when you grabbed me by the arm.
I was a child, a teenager. You slapped me for the last time, I fought back. One swing and your husband punches me in the mouth with his fist. Were you glad he came to your rescue?
I was a child, a teenager. You told Child Protective Services I was mentally ill and you were trying to get me admitted to the state hospital. Crazy, who me?
I became an adult, no longer a child, and realized the manipulation and pain you caused and severed all ties. Why do you still send my Birthday and Christmas cards?
I was a child…..
Melinda
Looking for the Light 
This is very moving. I hope it was therapeutic to write. I’m sorry you went through so much pain a child should never have to experience. I’m also thankful for your grandparents and your healing.
It had been brewing as I recently wrote about my dad. I would not have made it without my grandparents and I thanked them throughout their lives.
Oh my god this is heartbreaking something no child should experience. Sadly, it happens. 😦
Sadly it does and it happens much worse than I had it. Thanks for reading.
I myself escape from my parents after years of beating (even close to death) and sometimes I wish I reported them, but I’m an adult now so it’s too late.
But no matter how little a child experienced abused, it won’t make it better by knowing someone have it worse.
So tyre, it’s makes us so much stronger too.
It’s a sad story that happens far too often… No one sould have to grow up this way.
No one should it right!
This is soo inspirational💝
Keep going, you are a strong soul💞
Thank you! I had the help of many people and a great therapist to make it thru. Have a great day.
Ohh that sounds great..!🙌🏻
It was my greatest plesures reading such a piece 🥰
You too have a great day ahead 💝
I remember a terrible sunburn that left me in agony in bed, for days.
Boy did I have a few of those. That is no fun.
This hit me right in the heart. I hurt for the child that you were, and for the child I was, and for all the children growing with neglect and abuse.
You are an awesome survivor!
Like you, I hurt for all the children hurting today. Every once in awhile I hear a news story that breaks my heart and I have to talk with my therapist. I don’t look back but when I suffer from another child, I hurt for the child I was. Thanks for commenting.
Same here. For much of my life, I couldn’t read or watch any kind of news stories, because you never know when a huge trigger will hit you right between the eyes.
There’s a story about a nine-year-old girl who was chained to the front porch and starved to death. It hit me like a brick, I never had it that bad but I had to see my therapist because it kept making me cry. That when I learned how much I was hurting for the child in me. It’s so unnecessary, how do people come up with such horrible behavior towards anyone but let alone their own children. Like you God has played a big part in my life and recovery.
That is horrific beyond words. Pure evil. I don’t understand that.
My mom tried to gas us all to death several times, among many other things. But at least she fed us, enough to keep us alive.
Man, that is so sad.
Ohhh Melinda, I feel for you. Forgiveness is such a powerful tool in helping us overcome this kind of thing, wouldn’t you agree? Thanks for your brave share. Blessings, dear one. 🌞
I wasn’t able to forgive but forgot enough to move forward. I’m not sure you can ever forgive. Although I believe in God, I can’t say I’ve totally forgiven. I don’t’ have a bitter heart and that is what is important. Hopefully, someone will be helped by my sharing.
Not being bitter is a great accomplishment. I’m sure your story will give others strength and hope. 🌞
Thanks. I’ve had several people who can relate write to me today and that great. We can all keep helping and healing together.
Absolutely, Melinda. 🌞
this was so powerful! ❤ ❤ You are strong and courageous!
Thank you. I had my grandparent’s love and a belief in God and that is what saved me.
Great post Melinda! I am able to comment now! yay! I am so pleased! xo
Great, so glad things are working better now.
Insightful post.. I too believe that showing what the inside of our prison cells looked like helps lead others out of there’s. Thank you 🙏
I agree. It’s Domestic Violence Awareness month so I have several posts to call attention to the painful topic. Have a great evening.
I don’t know quite what to say. I hurt for that child, for the adult that still carries those scars. I’m so sorry for what you went through. You came out the other side with a beautiful, untarnished heart, despite all you’ve been through. ♥
Thank you, that’s the miracle of it all. If it weren’t for the unconditional love of my grandparents and a great therapist I would have not made it the other side. It certainly helps that I believe in a much higher power. I put that out there since it’s Domestic Violence Areaness month. I have a few more to publish this month. I hope it helps someone to know they can survive and come okay, if people know me well enough they know I don’t have a bitter heart. That’s the important thing. Thanks for reading. I hurt for the child too sometimes.