Quote From: maryann62Today's show is very upsetting to me. I am a 62 year old woman who was sexually abused by my grandfather when I was a small child. The abuse began when I was very young, probably at about age 5 or so. This abuse continuted until I was almost 13. Luckily, we lived in different states, and only saw our grandparents during the summers. I never told anyone. As a matter of fact, there are only two people today who know about this. I have struggled with this my whole life. The older I get, the more I realize how much these events shaped my life, from my self concept to my interactions with others. This is something that an apology cannot cure. This is something that is never forgotten. This is something that determines the course of one's life.
One of the things that preys on my mind is the knowlege that I was not the only one. There were many grandchildren in the family. I feel certain that others were also abused. I feel tremendous guilt about that . The only thing that is of any comfort to me is the fact that at age 12 I found the courage to put a stop to these incidents.
I see no real remorse in the man on today's show. Who is to say this poor child was his first or only victim?
You should have no guilt about others being abused...you didn't do it did you? That responsibility lies with the abuser and you don't need to take that on yourself....you were a child and a child is a child...not an adult...
I understand your secrecy as I did the same thing. I told no one until I was 18 and was out of the situation and safe. It was the hardest thing I ever did but I found healing in the telling and the more I tell the more healing I find....
I would encourage you to seek counseling so that you can heal and be happy again. There is healing and happiness I promise!
I also would encourage you to visit www.achildsvoiceconnection.org if you are unsure where to search for counseling in your area.
I pray you find the peace you seek!
