The Poem and information on this page deals with sexual child abuse;
which I know is a sensitive topic - BUT it is happens every day.
Parents-it is up to YOU if you want your children to read this!
This page MAY disturb you as a parent - but that's ok.  It should.
If you are a Grandparent - and have grandchildren-please read!
It doesn't matter whose children - grandparents or parent!!
 You may NEED to read this if you love children.  I felt led to post 
this poem -along with a POSITIVE poem of ENCOURAGEMENT;
as well as SUPPORT LINKS for those who may need to read more in case they are a victim of this.  This is not my 'ordinary' style of writing on my site.  BUT-I DO feel it is a topic that needs to be dealt with - and many may NEED to read this; who just could be your neighbor, your friend and a SURVIVOR!
Why did I choose this beautiful set for such an ugly topic??   It's because the topic may be 'ugly' - but the children aren't.
Children are precious gifts from God - who need our protection.

For EVERY SURVIVOR that reads this - and emails me -
with FIRST NAME ONLY- AGE OR STATEwithin the EMAIL - 
I will post up a ROSE on a LINKED page  from this one in your
honor. The first name, age, and state will go under the rose-
along with the words "I am a Survivor". This page is a Dedication. 
How "many" pages do I plan on doing?? Well, I have had to do a
lot of serious praying about this-and decided to set a DATE of
JUNE of 2000!! Please IF you want a ROSE - mail me the above
information before June 1st, 2000!!  This will allow me time to post
as many roses as I possibly can between now and the end of June!
I MAY resume this later after June when I have more time and can 
determine the amount of time this will take and the responses!

If you NOT comfortable giving an age - just send me your
first name ONLYand your state!  I want you to feel comfortable!
I am not expecting PERSONAL INFORMATION in your mail!
In the SUBJECT line of the email  - please type - RE: ROSE
I receive fairly large amounts of mail - and I will look for this word
and know what the mailing is for in order to get the rose uploaded.
This is to let everyone who reads this page - SEE how many
SURVIVORS live in this world - no matter who they are or 
where they live; and to let YOU know that YOU are not ALONE!!!
I am going to start this page if it takes TEN or MORE pages;
and it will be entitled "The Chain of Roses"; and will dedicated
to you, your families, your children and everyone affected.
I think this will let all Survivors see and  know they aren't alone!!!
 

This is the first Rose BELOW-and will show you what you'll see.
(As you can see - Cindy does NOT give a state.  This involved more 
children and her; who we could not contact at the present time.)
 

"The white rose means purity/heavenly, secrecy, silence, innocence, and charm."

Cindy-18
I am a survivor.

This page is dedicated below to the young lady above.
She granted me permission to tell 'some' of her 'story'.
You can read the 'dedication' at the bottom of this page.
I cried as I wrote this; so I will tell you now-you may too.
Pass this on to anyone who you may feel is in need of the LINKS 
and information below.  IF this page only helps ONE person or child-

Then it will have accomplished what I and one brave teenager
and her Mom have prayed it would do..

"The human spirit is virtually indestructible, and it's ability to rise from  the ashes remains as long as the body draws breath." 
  ~Alice Miller~

(Thank you Bev for sending me this quotation.)

..
 

From the time I was a little girl
I had hopes and dreams like you
From the time I was a little girl
I prayed they'd all come true.

From the time I was a little girl
I dreamed of a real house just like you
From the time I was a little girl
I loved my Mommy too.

From the time I was a little girl
I treasured pretty dolls I had
From the time I was a little girl
Mommy taught me good from bad.

From the time I was a little girl
I thought all grownups nice and sweet 
From the time I was a little girl
I trusted grownups I would meet.

Then one day Mommy left me
Alone with my Uncle Dave
But he touched me in 'funny places'
Then he said it was ok

He helped my Mommy out sometimes
Cause my Daddy ran away
Uncle Dave was always willing
To watch me while I played.

I was a child-a little girl
Who trusted my uncle you see
But he did what felt like 'bad things'
I was just to young to see.

I thought I couldn't tell Mommy
Cause he said it wasn't bad
But that it would upset her
I would only make her sad.

I was scared to tell my Mommy
So our secret I did keep
But I'd whisper them to my little doll
When I cried myself to sleep.

Years went by very quickly
Mommy never realized
What uncle Dave had done to me
When I was only five.

Now I'm not a little girl
I know now what he did was wrong
But I never told a single soul
Like I promised all along

From the time I was a little girl
I loved my Uncle Dave
But now he's dead and buried
With the secret I forgave.

Please listen to your children
That may be just like me
Innocent but keeping a secret
That only God can see.

Please forgive if you're a Survivor
Live your life from day to day-
and know there's a God still in Heaven
Who will take this pain away.

Copyrighted March 2000
Irishgrrl
.
..

When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean,

When you think that no one can hear you,

Remember, Friends, God Can.

.
When you think that you are unforgivable

for all your guilt and your shame

Remember Friend, God Can.

.
When you think all is hidden

and no one can see within

Remember, Friend, God Can.

.
And when you have reached the bottom

And you think that no one can hear

Remember my dear Friend

God Can.

.
And when you think that no one can love 

the real person deep inside of you

Remember my Dear Friend...

God Does.

Author Unknown

Gods' grace got me through the days
Gods' grace got me through the nights
Gods' peace helped me endure
When I saw no peace in sight.

Gods' mercy helped me walk away
Gods' mercy carried me through the years
Gods' mercy kept me sheltered
During the 'time of tears'.

Gods' love touched me when I hurt
Gods' love reached down to shelter me
Gods' love made me realize I'm not alone
Then Gods' love set me free.

Poem-Irishgrrl
Copyrighted April 2000 

..

IF you are the victim of past child abuse-or want more information on how to
get help; if not yourself; maybe someone you know-please do not be afraid.
There are counselors world-wide who will talk to you free of charge.  There are hotlines you can contact if you suspect abuse in a home.  Most of all - If you are
a victim please visit the links below.   I pray you face the truth with Gods' help
and know you are loved; and seek counseling!!  If you are a parent-talk to your 
children!  Listen to them!!  There are some things a child cannot explain to you.
If you are a child who's afraid - tell someone!

Just know you must face your fears; be they recent or past - 
and you're never alone.

~Irishgrrl~

 LINKS for more information for PARENTS/SURVIVORS of Abuse

http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com/

http://www.lightdarkness.com/Resources/abuse.html

http://www.survivorsvoice.com/index.html

http://www.Childhelpusa.org

http://www.christianrecovery.com/

This ribbon is dedicated to all  Survivors of abuse.

Please download the above ribbon I created and add it to your website!
(You can also use it to link back to my site if you'd like.)

A Page on My Site For ALL Female Survivors
 

I want to thank a new online friend who is also a Survivor - that wrote me 
on the meaning of a 'white rose'; and who has shared her heart with me -
and helped me with the 'idea' above for the Dedication Page as well.
God bless you Tina!
The roses start with yours - for all your kindness and your love that endured.
 

Start of Dedications:

Tina
Age: 33 - Texas
I am a Survivor.

Tamara
Age: 7 - Texas
I am a Survivor.
 

CLICK the ROSE BELOW for PAGE ONE of the CHAIN OF ROSES...

Started 4/3/2000
 

All emails and comments are welcomed!
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