Comment by Mrs. Wright on 03 Feb 2010 at 11:02 am

Dear Karen,

Read your story and some of your answers here on your blog. Can’t stop thinking of you, you are marvelous. Too many questions to sift through, you should put them all in a book! I have some questions you probably answered already. Here goes. What do you hope for yourself for your own future? What have you learned about yourself after integrations and the book was published? Have you ever made a mistake and fell backward? Did your family respect your decision to write your story? Do you have the same friends and relations as before integration and the book? Have many taken advantage of you? Are you hurting now?

Mrs. Wright

Dear Mrs. Wright,

Thank you for sharing! Yes, I have answered many questions here on my blog. It is my hope to continue sharing and helping those who have been abused or know of someone who has. I now hope to enjoy my life in the best way I can. I have dreamt of traveling. I would love to see the world; I’ve not had the privilege to do so. I was fortunate to have traveled once with Dr. Baer to Amsterdam and Antwerp, but there was little time for sightseeing. But I did get to see Rembrandt’s home, which I loved. I hope to do more of the same. My dreams have yet to begin.

I’ve learned many lessons since integration and even more after Switching Time was published in October 2007. I am not perfect. I’ve learned that I have more strength than I ever imagined. I learned my faith can become shaky at times, but I still have faith that God will help provide me with a sense of calm so that I can continue doing my work helping others. And most important, I learned that I am loved and can love others. I never imagined I would ever experience this. Remember, I was once a lost soul and unloved.

I have not shared my story with all of my family. My mother does not know, but my siblings have been supportive. My brothers have not only confirmed the truth about all that has been written, they have shared with me much more. My children support me and are proud of me for having the strength to encourage hope through sharing my story. Most of my elderly relatives knew I was terribly abused and feel guilty for not having helped me. Some have told me their stories and apologized. I have forgiven them all. That’s is why I share my story… to bring knowledge of what can happen behind the closed doors of a dysfunctional family. There are signs if we all, as adults, pay attention to our children.

Thank you, Mrs. Wright, for you thought provoking questions and compliments. I admit these questions challenged me, but I have learned something new about myself.

Karen