Laurie's Story

“I am Laurie. I am exactly who I am supposed to be.  The DNA in me is right, not wrong.”

Laurie is a strong, amazing woman. Her strength of character is reflected in her eyes – she has a soft determination that surrounds her and emanates from her core.

Laurie bravely told her story to me. She grew up without a safe place. Laurie witnessed physical violence as a young child. This sets the stage for a child to question the world in ways she shouldn't need to. She grew up feeling different. Feeling isolated from her peers, and the adults around her. She developed a protective shell to keep that negativity from reaching her.  This shell was often perceived as superiority when in fact,  the opposite was true.  “You really can’t know someone without really taking time to allow them to unfold and be who they are”.  

Her one oasis was defined as a person that made her feel like she could just be herself.  This oasis provided the small piece of stability and love on which she could anchor her soul.  

Laurie's offender groomed her. Fed her lies. Violated her in many smaller ways to tear her down and create a more vulnerable victim. He created an environment to suit his desires to do as he wished with her. Coercing her to be unclothed. He forced much more access to her private self than any person has a right to.  She knows that hurt people, hurt people.  

There were layers of pain that served as a platform in her life for some painful years on which she based her decisions out of her wounds rather than her strengths.  

“I have made mistakes in my life. But I own them now.”

Growing up as she did, there is no wonder how she developed a negative inner monologue. But Laurie knows that she is not responsible for what happened to her. Pain is a universal experience.  That making choices based on hurt creates more hurt. And letting go of pain – not forgetting, but not letting it lead one's life – is the most healing thing one can do.  Forgiveness sets you free.

“Recovery is the most badass thing a person can do.”  “We are all recovering from something.”

Laurie lives a very full and fulfilling life. She has professional success. She works daily to love and be loved.  Acceptance goes a long way.  Grace levels the playing field of life. . She has found forgiveness in her heart.

Finding a stable and functional life as an adult is no easy task for a child that has experienced trauma from before her first memories. Laurie knows that she is exactly who she is supposed to be, but recognizes the long road it took to get her to where she is now. She also knows that recovery from trauma is not a static state of being, but requires constant work as life changes around you.   And…..she believes “LOVE ALWAYS WINS”.