DEAR FATHER DAVID, . . .
A Story Of How One Family Faced Their Worst Nightmare And Survived!
by
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February 5
Dear Fr. David,
Sigh . . .
I don’t think I’m quite ready for the digital age! A fountain pen anyone?
Anyway, I just wanted to send a quick note to let you know what happened at the open house at Aleyce’s school tonight. I thought you would enjoy the story.
When we went to Aleyce’s classroom, we saw all the pictures hung up on the wall. The children were to draw pictures of their favorite things. One child drew a horse, another Santa, another their dog, another a car. Then, there was Aleyce’s picture. She had drawn. The Sacred Heart of Jesus. (But she labeled it “the Special Heart of Jesus.”)
Not something you see every day in a public school second grade!
You were right the other day when you said she was the light of my life.
She is!! What would I ever do without her? She gives me such joy!
However, there is something you may not know.
It may shock you.
I think you will find it hard to believe me as I tell you this- but- there was a time when I wished that she would never be born . . .
It’s something that must be incredible for you to hear from me of all people!
But, it’s true.
It’s a long very difficult story. Sometime I’ll tell you about it.
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About the Book
A must read for anyone who has ever experienced trauma in their life. A compelling story that will make you laugh, make you cry, but most of all make you “think”.
Lynda Suarez
Augusta, Ga.
The experiences in this book reflect the feelings of hopelessness and attempts at helpfulness that end up as helplessness many times over a period of years surrounding a rape victim and her family. They are put forth as a warning of the hurdles that must be overcome, and a guide to parents who have had their lives changed through their daughters’ lives as a result of rape. All who are concerned with the care and rehabilitation of rape victims need to read the accounts in this book so they can be aware of the power of love and faith in attending to the victim’s needs, and to the slow, very slow, breakdown of the walls that the rape victim throws up after the event. The reader becomes aware of the eventual healing that happens over many years of love and support, bringing the victim back into some semblance of normalcy. This is an important book which should be required reading for medical personnel to help them be aware of the inconsistencies between the “medical tests”and victim statements, and let them be a part of the professional therapeutic team that helps the victims and families of rape understand what to expect, not only immediately after the trauma, but in the long term also.
Laurel Myers, Ph.D
Instructional Systems Specialist
Naval Medical Education and
Training Command
About the Author
Allison Martin has over twenty years experience working with families. She is currently employed at the University of Memphis.
She has given seminars and retreats in the US, Japan and Germany
She and her husband, Don, currently reside in Cordova, TN near their children and grandchildren.