Comment by Paula on 19 Jul 2009 at 6:12 pm

I admire you for your courage, niceness and helpfulness to people despite the pain once suffered. Switching Time helped my 20 year old daughter deal with the abusive babysitter assigned to take care of her when she was six. When a friend’s son, 15, asked to make extra money babysitting, I never for a minute thought he would be capable of raping a six year old child. Honestly, I never thought it to be possible. My daughter shared immediately and he was arrested. Since then my friend and I parted ways. My daughter however lives everyday in pain. She has nightmares, deep sadness and never felt like she was clean. Do you know what I mean? I begged her to seek help. She said no. One day she told me she was ready to see a therapist. I was glad and asked her what changed her mind. She said It was your book.

Thank you, Karen. You helped my daughter move on.

Paula, California

Dear Paula,

Thank you!  I truly appreciate you sharing your story of how your daughter came to a better understanding of her suffering.  Having your daughter recognize the pain within herself is an important first step on the way to healing.  I’m glad to hear that she found help through my story, but I believe that is was the right time for her and she finally knew it.

I’m sorry to hear that your daughter was abused by someone you felt you could trust. That is very sad, but very common.  I believe that for her to share with you what happened immediately after she was abused shows that you have a loving relationship, and that your daughter trusted you to help her.  No one has the right to hurt and abuse a child.  Calling the police and reporting the act was not only the right thing to do but also very brave.  I know it must’ve been hard on you and for your friend, the mother of your daughter’s abuser.  I’m sad to hear that you parted ways and haven’t received the closure you’ve needed to move on.  She may be suffering, too.  After all, it was her son who committed the crime. I can only imagine how devastating it was for both of you.  I hope you can find peace in time.

Thank you for your compliments!  I wish you and your daughter a safe journey to wellness.  Have faith and the healing will follow.

Karen