A Compilation of Abuse

Yesterday I watched a compilation video of people finding out they would soon become grandparents. It brought me to shambles knowing that even if I wanted children I could never have that moment, especially knowing how much my mother would have enjoyed being a grandmother.

That video was a trigger for the grief that comes with loss. It doesn’t happen as often as it once did, but it happens.

This morning as I replayed that image of myself it made me think of the victims of sexual assault and abuse who have had likely daily moments of triggers thanks to the constant cycle of terrible humans and their actions being brought to the light. There is most certainly a victory in each and every prosecution and guilty verdict for these victims. However, it can’t be understated how difficult it is to have memories, that in order to survive our daily lives we tuck away, brought back to the surface. The only blame in this lies at the feet of the abusers who make these stories far too commonplace in our world.

To the many people who have been living this cycle of nearly daily triggers for what seems like years know that in some small way I understand. There are people in your life who can and want to be a bridge to healing for you. We stand as allies, friends, loved ones and supporters. You are not alone. We believe you.