This has  been an emotional and triumphant week for me.  I never imagined that I would be in this particular place.  On Wednesday I was asked to be a guest speaker for a small group.  I was asked to simply share my story and was told that many of the women attending would benefit from this.  I spoke to a group of women (and 2 men) and told them my story.  I told them about this life, this pain, this fear and this healing.  It was terrifying to speak to strangers so openly…to lay my heart open to them and trust that they would handle it with loving-kindness.  The response was over-whelming.  I was so moved by their compassion… and so much more… they seemed so genuinely touched by my words… they were moved to share their own stories and we hugged and cried and prayed together.  These wonderful people opened their homes, lives and hearts to me and trusted me with their truth.  There are no words for how powerful and moving it was.  On Sunday we stopped half-way home and visited my aunt and uncle – the first family I have had contact with in over two years.  I was able to open up to them and to share my heart with them as well… and they received me without rejection or criticism.  After so many years of silence I am finding my voice and I feel like a new woman.  I am not saying that I am suddenly healed after years of abuse, fear, anger etc… but I feel a new strength… This week brought so many surprises… so much hope… and for the first time in a long time I feel that my recovery WILL one day be complete.  I know life is a journey and I have far yet to go, but I know I will be ok… I am no longer focused on surviving my life… I am finding ways to live my life and to help others do the same.