Comment by Nancy on 10 Sep 2009 at 9:21 am

Dear Karen,

I am in a study group and we are discussing Switching Time. The paperback book has questions at the end. Why not the hardcover? I find your story an incredable realization to the horrors the world rarely sees, the horrors behind the doors of your own family. Who is to know what happens in the privacy of a child’s home. I can’t believe the things I read. I know you were brainwashed. I’m sorry for you, to live with all your pain and continue to help us outside people to understand what’s it’s like to be abused. I wasn’t abused. I am thankful to have wonderful supportive loving parents. I wish you would have experienced the same. If I could I’d wrap you up and take you home with me. I hope you have people loving you around all the time. I hope no one hurts you anymore. God Bless you, Karen Overhill.

Nancy

Dear Nancy,

I’m not sure why the hard cover didn’t have the study questions at the end, maybe the publisher thought study groups would wait for the paperback to come out?

I appreciate that you understand the horrors of what can happen behind closed doors in what appears to be a normal family. Abuse is abuse. No one knows what happens unless there are visible signs to recognize. That is one reason I decided to share my story. I believe there were many signs in me that were ignored. No one paid attention to my cries and screams. No one really knew what to do, nor wanted to get involved. Times have changed, and with continued awareness I hope there will be fewer abused children. Today, in schools and amongst neighbors, greater awareness has people keeping better watch. Sharing stories like mine may help.

I’m glad to hear that you were never abused and had loving, supportive parents! That’s every child’s dream. I could only fantasize that kind of love. I am touched by your caring thoughts of wanting to wrap me up and take me home with you. That’s really sweet of you! And that’s exactly how I’d feel if I would ever witness a child being mistreated.

Sadly, there are times that I’ve felt hurt by those I’ve care for. People are human and can’t help it. There are people who don’t understand that what they say may be perceived as degrading, condemning, and causing much grief. For these times I try my best to understand that their ignorance is at the root of their hurtfulness. If someone hasn’t experienced the pain of degradation, as an abused person has, most likely they’ll never see themselves as abusive. Bringing awareness is important to change ignorance into knowledge. Hurtful words can be devastating.

God Bless you,

Karen