Thief
I want him to know what he did to me. Beyond raping me, what he did to my psyche. To my self worth.
I want him to know he's the reason I have a hard time looking at myself in the mirror.
More than that, I want him to feel badly for what he did to me. What he stole from me.
I want him to hurt, deep inside, knowing that he, a grown man, changed the course of a 12 year old girl's life and walked away as if nothing had happened.
If he's married, I want his wife to know every detail so that she can look at him and see the monster I saw in 10 years worth of nightmares.
I hope he has a 12 year old daughter, so that he can look at her an imagine a man doing to her, what he did to me.
If his kids are little, I want him to lay awake at night, afraid of his daughters meeting a man like him. A man who will stalk them like prey, who will weave a web and catch them in it so that he can suck the life right out of them and spit them out as though they are nothing but garbage. I want him to take that fear right out of my head, so he can see what he did to me.
Twenty years has passed. I've never sought counseling. I've never dealt with being a victim.
And I know now, why I haven't.
I'm afraid. Afraid to voice what I've thought all these years: that I deserve what he did to me.
I've worked my ass off to be the best person I can be. Trying to prove to myself that I'm worth something. I've only just realized, that so much I've accomplished in my life has been because I was compensating for being raped.
I didn't deserve what he did to me. No more than someone crossing the street deserves to be run over by a drunk driver. I have to come to terms with that.
Who I am is more than what he made of me. I deserve to move on with my life.
I deserve to look in the mirror and see what other people see, for the first time in 20 years.
I want him to know he's the reason I have a hard time looking at myself in the mirror.
More than that, I want him to feel badly for what he did to me. What he stole from me.
I want him to hurt, deep inside, knowing that he, a grown man, changed the course of a 12 year old girl's life and walked away as if nothing had happened.
If he's married, I want his wife to know every detail so that she can look at him and see the monster I saw in 10 years worth of nightmares.
I hope he has a 12 year old daughter, so that he can look at her an imagine a man doing to her, what he did to me.
If his kids are little, I want him to lay awake at night, afraid of his daughters meeting a man like him. A man who will stalk them like prey, who will weave a web and catch them in it so that he can suck the life right out of them and spit them out as though they are nothing but garbage. I want him to take that fear right out of my head, so he can see what he did to me.
Twenty years has passed. I've never sought counseling. I've never dealt with being a victim.
And I know now, why I haven't.
I'm afraid. Afraid to voice what I've thought all these years: that I deserve what he did to me.
I've worked my ass off to be the best person I can be. Trying to prove to myself that I'm worth something. I've only just realized, that so much I've accomplished in my life has been because I was compensating for being raped.
I didn't deserve what he did to me. No more than someone crossing the street deserves to be run over by a drunk driver. I have to come to terms with that.
Who I am is more than what he made of me. I deserve to move on with my life.
I deserve to look in the mirror and see what other people see, for the first time in 20 years.
I wish I had words. I don't. I'm sorry. You are extremely brave. Hugs and love to you right now.
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The tough stuff usually feels the best to get of your chest. You are a brave and kind woman and you are not alone.
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Everyone has to face their demons.
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Oh god, Andrea. You were a baby. Of course you didn't deserve it.
I'm proud of you for speaking out. Big hugs, lady.
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(((hugs)))
The first step is what you've just done. Beginning to talk about it. You are way more than what he did to you.
You are a brave woman, and I love you immensely.
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Your courage is amazing. There is a special place in my heart for you :o)
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Andrea, you are so amazing. To write this, to share with the world; it's nothing short of bravery. You didn't deserve this, no child ever does.
I met you and you are a sweet, amazing, beautiful woman who I wished I could spend more time getting to know. Tons of hugs darlin.
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You do win. You are a stunning woman, a true friend, a fabulous mom, so much more than what he stole from you. But, you deserve to grieve for the little girl he abused and you deserve all your fury against his evil. Love.
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you are not a victim... you were... you are now a survivor.
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I am so sorry that this happened to you. You are so brave. Thank you for sharing this with us.
* hugs *
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Wow.
I was thinking exactly what Nic said.
SURVIVOR.
That's what you are. I'm here if you ever need to talk.
xoxo
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Andrea, you were never to blame, or deserving of what happened to you.
I hope you find some healing now.
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You are a brave beautiful person. I am so sorry you had to experience what you did and so young. Thank you for sharing.
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Wow. You are so brave. And so right. You deserve to see what I see when I look/talk/read you... someone amazing.
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Amazing and so thought provoking.
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You are an amazing survivor. I'm sorry that you've had such pain. I feel lucky to know you. xo
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You are a strong, amazing, beautiful survivor. *hugs*
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Andrea, we all think you are incredible. I know can also see how amazingly brave you are. You are beautiful and strong, and you deserve to see that in yourself. Thank you for sharing that with all of us. *hug*
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You truly are amazing. ((Hugs))
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You are so brave and strong.....
and just amazing for being able to share this.
I cannot imagine how hard this was.
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Such powerful words from such a brave person.
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You are awesome and brave just the way you are. You have taken the first step just writing about it. And you should know that it was NEVER EVER anything to do with you. You were a victim then but you are now a wonderful, brave, amazing woman. I wish I could give you a hug and tell you how much I hurt for you. I think this will mean so much in your journey of healing. Be proud of yourself and hold your head high.
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You are a survivor. I would welcome you to the club (I, too, am one), but I really wish I didn't have to. This opening up is the first step on your road, bravo. And hugs and love too.
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Andrea, absolutely you did not deserve it. You are brave to post this, and you deserve to seek counseling, to be released from the pain of it. I wish you all the best in your journey.
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Andrea you are brave and should be proud of the women, mother and wife you have become. You are not a victim but a survivor. My he rot in hell! Hugs!
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You have just won. Your courage and strength to speak out and share your story is amazing. This is the first step in healing yourself. You will likely never forget, but to be able to speak about it will help immensely.
You are a beautiful, smart, outgoing and amazing woman. I'm so lucky to have met you and to consider you a friend. I'm a phone call away if you EVER need anything.
I love to listen and give really good virtual hugs.
XOXO
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I am so indescribably proud of you. Now you just need to let your head listen to your heart so you will see the woman we see. Love you.
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I see you. Strong, ferocious, tenacious. An amazing wife, a fantastic mother, and a giving friend. I am so, so sorry that you had this happen to you, but I am so, so proud that you are speaking out and reclaiming YOU.
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You and I had similar blogging weeks. Good for you, you're not alone.
xo
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You are so brave to write this. So brave.
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