Comment by Lucille on 30 Aug 2009 at 9:50 am

Dear Karen,

Do you believe in what goes around comes around? The answer you gave to convict F was right on! Do you think he will get his due and wind up in prison again? What do you think of him other than he’s pathetic? I am one grateful woman that’s happy you told your story. I can’t imagine the pain you felt telling it. But I do know the pain I feel with ten times less than you suffered. I hurt terribly and know you must have been feeling worse than me. I hope your doing okay now. God Bless You, Karen Overhill.

Lucille

Dear Lucille,

I believe there is a reason for everything.  Convict F had written in for a reason.  We may not know his exact reason, but I believe he hasn’t a clue how to seek the proper help.  I like to believe my story had hit a nerve within him that woke him up to the possibility that he has underlying issues that need desperate attention from a professional therapist. Maybe after reading my response he will seek help.  I’ll never know, but it is my hope that he has seen the error of his thoughts and will act on them.  If not, then yes, I hope that he will be caught and imprisoned again.  Hopefully before hurting someone.

I’m sorry that you also suffer from the pain of past abuse.  I know that pain.  Time and again I didn’t believe my pain would ever subside, but it did.  The more I released my pain in writing, in therapy with Dr. Baer, and in believing that I will never allow myself to be abused again, I slowly healed and made it to where I am today.  Time and patience, slow and steady determination and work, helped me heal. Please take time to heal. In my opinion, healing from past abuse is a lifetime commitment that needs nuturing and care from oneself.

Thank you for being happy that I shared my story. That means a lot to me. I admit, it was painful at times during the sharing of my story with Dr. Baer.  But at the same time, during the process my strength grew.  When Switching Time first became published, I wasn’t as strong about sharing my story as I am today.  As I continue to answer questions and share, the stronger my voice becomes.

It is my hope to continue to move forward and enjoy the life I was given.

God Bless you, Lucille.

Karen