i was just a little girl

This may seem unreal, or that there must be more to it than that. I have spent a good portion of my life wondering what it is that I did wrong.

Why did I have to experience what I did?
Really is it only my perspective that allows me to feel the way that I do.
Here is what I have come to conclude.

I did nothing wrong. I did deserve to be loved. And still do not need to be carrying the guilt for the decisions made by those in my life who should have had the sense to give up unbridled passion for what is truly worthwhile.
It really wasn’t my fault and none of it should have happened. It was not really part of the plan. It was because of other peoples selfishness, and wickedness that I suffered at their hands and paid the price of their senseless acts of unkindness.

I do not believe that I was meant to experience these things, as no child should have to. But because of my experiences I am strongly aware of the disgustful practice of abuse across this nation and behind closed doors.

Statistically there are thousands who experience abuse, many never have a voice, or there are those afraid to find theirs. Now is my time to speak out.

It happened to me. I am your neighbor, your friend, I live just down the street from you, and I smile when you walk past.

My husband suffers with me now, the consequences of abuse. He smiles too, and then we cry together, when I let him cry with me.
Mostly I just shut everyone out of this pain and cry when no one is looking. I watch others children, hoping that they do not suffer from the very effects of my personal experiences.
Sometimes I pick up on a clue or a sign, but am I just reading into things. I wish I knew.
If you are being hurt, or you know someone who is, trust me it is your responsibility, our responsibility to speak up for them. For the child or the adult who can not, for now, it is up to you to say something.

For me, then , because I was just a little girl.