Abused Child Poem by Ari Castillo

No. You always remember but you find ways to work with the memories without weaving them into who you are. Know that you are affected by the abuse but you but that you are not defined by it. If comments like 'it has made you a stronger better person' by those who think they are being optimistic, makes your stomach turn the way it does mine- remind yourself that you were strong and good to begin with, not as a result of the abuse. You made it through it, you made it past it, because you were strong. Good did not come from the abuse. The good and the strength you found inside of yourself simply became more visable because of it. Added strength can come from knowing that you are not alone. That it is ok to have the feelings you have, they are not signs of weakness. Those feelings prove that you are still a part of this world, that you have not turned to stone or turned off your heart. My best thoughts are sent your way. I hope somewhere you find the comfort you seek.

I was abused by my dad and it never goes away you ALWAYS remember