Goodbye to Innocence
a true-life story15 total reviews
Comment from Bobby Jo
Isn't it funny how every situation can turn into something different for everyone. As you were the witness and not the victim. And yet, you were the victim and you over-came. If it were you who was thrown out, how would it changed your life? Sorry for you, but know that God sees and holds you and your sister. amen.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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Isn't it funny how every situation can turn into something different for everyone. As you were the witness and not the victim. And yet, you were the victim and you over-came. If it were you who was thrown out, how would it changed your life? Sorry for you, but know that God sees and holds you and your sister. amen.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2013
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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well, good question. there was also sexual abuse in the house and my sister understood that she could make money with men's 'horniness.' I was traumatized by the sexual violation so I couldn't go that route. Assuming I too was 14, I'd have gotten a job, and in fact did get my fist job at 12. By 14 I was a part-time employee, but working 38 hours a week and going to school. Thanks for the stars
Comment from june prescott
What a tragic story about childhood memories. That one night was a turning point for both you and your sister. I grew up in that era, and was fortunate to have a loving family. However, teaching your children by "whipping them into shape" was the norm. Also, secrecy and "keep it in the family" were also drummed into us. Very well written, and the use of dialog kept your story real. I hope you have found peace. ~JP
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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What a tragic story about childhood memories. That one night was a turning point for both you and your sister. I grew up in that era, and was fortunate to have a loving family. However, teaching your children by "whipping them into shape" was the norm. Also, secrecy and "keep it in the family" were also drummed into us. Very well written, and the use of dialog kept your story real. I hope you have found peace. ~JP
Comment Written 25-Jun-2013
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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Peace, in its own way. My decision to fight back remains the core of my being, but it's the kind of memory and series of remembrances that stay with a person for a lifetime. Thanks for the stars and your comments.
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Emotional scars are the worst to endure. Keep up the good fight. JP
Comment from Rondeno
A powerful story, well-written. Without becoming at all maudlin, you describe with great feeling what befell you and you convince the reader of its truth.
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reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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A powerful story, well-written. Without becoming at all maudlin, you describe with great feeling what befell you and you convince the reader of its truth.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2013
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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Maudlin works in present tense or people who are immersed in self-pity. Yes, I've been in that pond too, but it was a long time ago.
Comment from Samuel Dickens
No, you won't be forgetting this memory, and for very good reason. We're close to the same age and I, too, endured a horrible home life, although different from yours. Your story packs quite a wallop and should kick anyone in the stomach that reads it and especially so for me. Very well-written, and not one gripe do I have on it.
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reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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No, you won't be forgetting this memory, and for very good reason. We're close to the same age and I, too, endured a horrible home life, although different from yours. Your story packs quite a wallop and should kick anyone in the stomach that reads it and especially so for me. Very well-written, and not one gripe do I have on it.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2013
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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It was also a home of sexual abuse which added to my shadow word of self-loathing and shame. thanks for reading and I truly am sorry that there are folks like you and I that were forced to build a life on stilts instead of a foundation.
Comment from leftdesk
Wow. I was deeply impressed with this piece. The power you delivered with few words and without embellishment was impressive. The story describes an era that I'm so glad is mostly over, that time when life at home was protected from view and people in danger there had no recourse. Now children are taught in schools to "Yell and tell," even if the danger is coming at home. I think, however, that some of the details at the end, the trust issues and trying not to be too valuable might need a bit more discussion before the connection to that night can be truly understood or appreciated.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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Wow. I was deeply impressed with this piece. The power you delivered with few words and without embellishment was impressive. The story describes an era that I'm so glad is mostly over, that time when life at home was protected from view and people in danger there had no recourse. Now children are taught in schools to "Yell and tell," even if the danger is coming at home. I think, however, that some of the details at the end, the trust issues and trying not to be too valuable might need a bit more discussion before the connection to that night can be truly understood or appreciated.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2013
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2013
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Thank you for your generous stars and the time you took to share your own view of the era and thankfully the strides we've made for our children and society.
