Innocence -

What do you remember fondly when you look back at your childhood, a carefree time..even if it was just a moment, and the picture in your head reflects pure and endearing innocence?

For me:
I loved long flowing nightgowns - I felt like I looked like what my father often referred to me as - Daddy's Little Princess

Dressing my Siamese cat, Kelly, in doll clothing and pushing him around the house in my baby doll carriage

Playing waitress and taking orders every night while my parents watched tv.

Holding my breath when we'd drive by a cemetery so that the spirits wouldn't enter my body by breathing them in- I got close to turning blue once when we were stuck at a train crossing, lol.

Believing that one day I would be able to fly...........

For any of you who have survived child sexual assault, hold on to those memories - that innocent child wasn't ripped away from you. It may have felt like that but when the trauma hit, that child-like innocence, the wonderment and carefree nature, just retreated into hiding for protection.

If the ache in your heart still stings your soul, that means it is time to release that innocent being and set them free to grow...

Embrace your life, your story and share it with others so that they know they are not alone.