Comment by Tayla on 04 Nov 2011 at 8:26 pm

Hi Karen! My name is Tayla and I’m almost 16. I’m a huge, huge fan of yours, after reading Baer’s novel. I am absolutely amazed at your strength. My father too, abuses me and I am currently in therapy with a psychologist. It reminds me of your story.  Though I don’t have MPD, I’m curious about it and would love to look into it as I want to study to become a psychologist, too.

My abuse is not as severe as yours so I am utterly bewildered by your strength! You are a beautiful person and you amaze me. I tell my friends about your story and they too are amazed.

I hope you don’t mind me asking but do you still keep in contact with Josh? What do your children think about your life? Do you have a new husband? And do you still keep in touch with doctor Baer?

You don’t have to answer, I’m just so curious!

Thank you for the strength.

Dear Tayla,

How thoughtful you are; your compliments have touched me. Thank you for sharing! Please know that abuse is abuse and it doesn’t matter how much, how severe, or the type. I empathize with your pain and I’m glad to hear that you’re in therapy.

Josh died this year from complications from his alcoholism, but our children are doing well. My son is home after serving many years as a Marine in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. He married my beautiful daughter-in-law two years ago and is happy and well. My daughter is in her seventh year of medical school and we live together in Texas. They are both supportive and we talk all the time. I love them sooooo much and will share more about them in my sequel, that is, if it ever gets published!

Dr. Baer and I talk quite often. We will always be friends. We have a bond like no other and continue to respect each other. I don’t get to see him as often since moving to Texas this past May, but before I left Chicago we met at least twice a month.

Be safe, stay strong, and know that healing takes time but it is so worth it! I am now living a life I once thought impossible.

Wishing you all my best! Keep in touch!

Karen