Comment by Louise on 21 Sep 2011 at 9:12 pm

I really felt your presence next to me when I read your story. I am praying for you. Did you know that there are a lot of people who feel the same way as I do. My reading club finished your book and out of all thirteen of us not one felt anything less than inspired by you. I hope you don’t mind my asking the following questions? It will help me understood more before you write the next book. What is your relationships like now with your mother? and with Dr. Baer? Do you communicate with them? If you do can you give me an example of how you view these relationships years after healing? Thank you. In His name.

Louise

Dear Louise,

I’m touched by your believing in me as well as hearing your reading club’s thoughts. I don’t know what to say but thank you for sharing this moment with me. I don’t mind answering any questions and will below.

My mother and I continue to have a strained relationship. What I mean by this is that I’m always there for her and help her by taking her to and from doctor appointments, the grocery store, etc., but we rarely have any meaningful discussions about the past. My mother is more about herself than paying attention to any of my needs. This past year she has briefly mentioned things that confirm she knew about my being abused, and that she didn’t pay attention to my hurts as most moms would. She wasn’t there for me as a child. As an adult , she’s helped me a few times with non-emotional things like cleaning my house after I had surgery. I spend brief periods of time with my mom, such as over coffee, and end up listening to her go on and on about herself. Though I’ve forgiven her, I continue to feel saddened by our relationship. My mother is in her seventies, and I don’t believe she will ever make amends.  My mother had been abused, too, not that that’s an excuse. For me, it simply means she needs help.  But her narcissism won’t let her.

Dr. Baer and I will always be connected because we share a bond built on trust and respect. A bond like ours, tested time again, cannot be broken. Our journey to healing me was a once in a lifetime event and the reason we continue to share our story. Dr. Baer and I will remain respectful friends forever.

Thank you for your questions. God bless you.

Karen