Comment from foxangie123

Excellent

It is a great write you have here with tat expertise pen of yours. I thought I had read it before yet at times it's the qualities in the author I detect. Well Done.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Apr-2016

Thank you fox, My son's poem was amazing and so sad.

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

Awesome poem about the experience and memories of childhood and the abuse of a dysfunctional home. And who doesn't have one?

Your children sound like wonderful successful people with good hearts. You must have done a good job as a parent given the difficult circumstances.

Excellent!

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Apr-2016

Thank you for your kind words. We have all come a long ways.

Comment from mermaids

Exceptional

I applaud you for sharing Nick's poem. He shows in his words, what your family was going through. Many can relate to his poem and your story as well. There is also a happy ending to years of abuse, your children are successful and doing great things.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Apr-2016

Thank you so much. This is a hard story to tell but as they say if it helps one person , it is worth it.

Comment from Jonadab Ezerie

Excellent

I love the story line .Words were very well constructed and articulate. Very easy to comprehend. Your style of writing is unique

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 29-Apr-2016

Thank you so much. This was a hard story to tell.

Comment from DonandVicki

Excellent

A very moving true story and one that touches my heart. I think this must have been difficult for you to write but you composed it very well.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 28-Apr-2016

The truth is always hard to tell. When he wrote this I once again realized how often I swept the truth and pretended everything was ok. How sad that it took so many years to believe I was worth something and that my children were worth more.

Comment from Mabaker

Excellent

+Hi Jusylee72. How come we the tortured, the abused, the spat upon the punching bags, turn out creative? I could have written that poem, I've been to that place of horror Nik remembers so graphically. I too took a long time to leave never dreaming my reluctance, my fear of the outside world, caused my children damage. Five children that have risen above the hurt and pain of abuse. Four, like young saplings straight and true, One reflecting the dark side. Beautifully written. Regards Anne. (Mabaker)

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 28-Apr-2016

You understand so much more than others how hard it is to leave and admit that we made a mistake. We try so ridiculously hard and we never get any where. I so appreciate someone who truly understands.

Comment from sage17611

Excellent

This is a nice story of triumph from an abusive life, and an abusive past, with lasting memories of those dark days of life. It is a miracle that the children rose from the abuse with the ability to live productive lives. Normally, abuse is a learned behavior, so hopefully they will not become abusers. I really enjoyed reading your story and your son's poem, which is pouring out a lot of pinned up emotions. Thanks for sharing this story of such a difficult time in life.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 28-Apr-2016

thank you so much. We are all fine and excelling now. I so appreciate your heartfelt words.

Comment from pattipac

Excellent

Oh, Judy, how I wish I had six-stars to put on your son's gut-wrenching writing about the abusive life you and your children endured, until you interlocked fingers and moved on. I wish anyone who is living under such circumstances could read this and get the courage to seek help.

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 27-Apr-2016

Thank you so much. He does write beautifully doesn't he. And he is such a big success in life. I have thought about speaking at women's shelters. That life is so complicated and I truly understand it.

reply by pattipac on 27-Apr-2016

Being a retired teacher, I know how demanding your job is; however, you might consider listening to that "inner-voice", sometime. Maybe in the summer when you are not so busy. Only someone whose been there can reach those who are suffering from similar abuse. Just a thought, my friend.

Comment from Jesse James Doty

Exceptional

I am so glad your son wrote that poem. It touched me deeply. You are brave to put your family dynamics on display for everyone to see. I admire you and your son. The healing is palpable in his poem, and in your response to his poem. Your life must have been pure Hell. But, like you say, you and your three kids are survivors of this travesty. Thank you for sharing your personal life with me. I feel enriched by the experience.
Peace, Jesse

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 27-Apr-2016

Thank you so much. Life is wonderful now. I had many lessons to learn.

reply by Jesse James Doty on 27-Apr-2016

Yes, don't we all? I am continually growing into a person that I like. Sometimes it's hard lessons, but I learn from them just the same.
Jesse

Comment from heyjude

Excellent

Judy, This writing has touched my heart realizing what you and
your children went through. I'm glad that your children are doing
so well now and I can see you're very proud of them. Your son
certainly has a gift to write and what a great thing he does volunteering
with children.

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2016

---

reply by the author on 27-Apr-2016

Thank you so much. Life is wonderful now. I had many lessons to learn.