Thankful, November 18

Today is my niece’s 19th birthday and I’m so very thankful for her. Nearly five years ago she became my hero by reporting to the police the abuse she had been enduring from my father, her grandfather. About a year and a half after that she faced him court and with the help of the amazing prosecutor, brought him down so he will spend the rest of his life in prison. He may not be technically serving time for what he did to me for so many years, but I feel vindicated because of his long prison sentence.

In some ways my world blew apart the day my niece made her report and my father was arrested because my system was suddenly freed remember what he did to us. It was like opening Pandora’s box. But I also believe I may not be alive today if it wasn’t for her. Because we can remember, we are healing. I’m so thankful for that.

Because of family circumstances it’s been about two years since my niece and I have spoken. I wish she could know how much I really do love her and how incredibly thankful I am for her.

I’m thankful for AuraBowman‘s great prints on Etsy!

 

Thankful, November 12

Darn it, I missed another day.

Today I’m thankful for my eleven nieces and nephews. The oldest is 20 years old; the youngest just turned 5. I’m also thankful to be “auntie” to one of my best friend’s four kids and even see her oldest daughter raising her own two little ones. It brings me so much joy to watch this passel of kids growing and changing. These children in my life (now a handful of them adults) mean a lot to me since I was away from my sons so much when they were growing up and DH and I aren’t able to have kids of our own. Each of them is a blessing in their own way!

I’m thankful for LittleGemGirl‘s nifty tile pendants!

1,455 Days

On this day four years ago a very evil man (my father) was arrested for very evil acts, ending his decades-long reign of terror. Some in my system rejoice over this, some agonize over it. More than anything, I’m proud of my niece for being brave enough to walk into our local police station and tell her story. I may not currently be in contact with her, but she remains my biggest hero(ine)! Because of her, we are healing, slowly but surely.

~Kali