As a teen in the public library I was introduced to the many horrors of child abuse from the pages of a book. Up until this moment in my life I believed that although life has its up and downs all children were nurtured and loved as I was while growing into adulthood. I had been unaware of the tragedies that were going on around us behind closed doors that change the course of many lives. This single experience while sitting at the quiet table in the library expanded my view of the world and enabled me the understanding of the “what can happens”.

From an early age Sharon is abused physically, mentally, and sexually by her stepfather. As a child should, Sharon reaches out to her mother only to be ridiculed and called a liar.
Faced with this added abuse Sharon reaches out over and over to Social Services who not only fail her miserably but add undue torment to her situation. Sharon is left with only herself and soon finds out self is all she really can rely on.

Although breaking away from her devastating situation Sharon finds the courage and embarks on a life alone. The trauma she endured gave her the strength and courage to survive where many would not be able. Finding herself and working thru many issues formed from her childhood such as self-mutilation, alcohol, and eating disorders Sharon’s courage is that to be envied by everyone. Faced with such a depressing situation I for one do not know how I would have weathered this storm. Sharon struggles on thru the torture constantly inflicted upon her by her family who seen to make a game out of messing with her life. While struggling with her demons she is constantly given more to deal with from her family.

Along the way Sharon is faced with promise. Conveying what she has gone thru and giving herself to someone she loves then conveying this to her readers is probably one of the most touching things I have ever read. ““Your with me now. He won’t ever hurt you again.” Mike said. He came over to put his arm around me. It felt good to have a comforting arm around me; I had been alone and uncomforted for too long.” As I read these words tears ran down my face. It had been way too long and Sharon deserved to feel loved.

Sharon’s story is one that needs to be read. Read by survivors of abuse, by abusers themselves, and by those who thought they had never been touched by abuse. Everyone in some way, thru a friend or relative, co-worker or acquaintance is affected by abuse. People need to open their eyes wide and when they think they may know someone in a situation such as Sharon’s it is their responsibility to step in where others do not. Sharon broke her cycle of abuse, thru grit that many do not possess. She is a survivor where many are not. Thank you Sharon for sharing your story I pray it enabled you a much deserved bit of healing.