An Inuit man writes about himself and his younger sister, Emily, whom he helps take care of. She has some serious physical problems stemming from abuse from her former husband.
My name is Peter Quenton Tagaq. I live in Nashville Tennessee, where I take care of my youngest sister, Emily, who now lives with me. (I moved away from Canada over ten years ago.) Emily, who is ten years younger than I am, has some health problems, among them not being able to speak and having post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Emily's husband (now since deceased) tried to cut out her tongue in his attempt to silence her because, in his words, "she laughed or talked too much". She now is mute, unable to utter a sound. She is also unable to eat properly: her damaged tongue makes it difficult for her to chew or swallow properly. Because of this, she has to eat only soft foods or foods that have been blended or pureed; regular bite-sized portions or harder foods cause her to choke.
In addition, Emily has a damaged leg; she was struck by a car while attempting to cross a busy street while visiting me last year. She's since healed from that; however, she now wears a brace on that leg, and it causes her great pain. She walks with a crutch attached to her arm; this helps with her balance.
Before my sister permanently lost her voice, she was very happy (or was until she had gotten married to her husband). She was a happy-natured person who could talk your ear off; now she remains indoors, afraid of anyone but a few select people (or her family). She is constantly in tears, and has terrible nightmares about the abuse her husband inflicted on her.
To see my once-cheerful baby sister living in a world of fear/uncertainty is highly upsetting. She has become a shell of her former self; Emily is nothing like the sweet, giggling person I grew up with.
I have begged, pleaded with Emily to undergo counseling as a way of helping her deal with her past hurts; she won't hear of it. She thinks that psychiatrists are nothing but a big bunch of shysters who are only after her money, and she doesn't want to remember what has happened to her.
I've tried on numerous occasions to get Emily involved with community-based activities or for her to attend church; both of these attempts have badly faltered. She'd much rather stay indoors, feeling sorry for herself.
I'm at my wit's end to try to help my little sister. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I'd be more than willing to listen or at least try to utilize them for both my sake (and hers).
Thank you for listening. I will keep in touch; somehow, I feel our story isn't over, no, not by a long shot! Take care, may the Great Spirit watch over you! Thank you for listening to me.
Emily needs professional help. She will never beable to move on until she can get out all of her feelings and nightmares. Physical abuse and mental abuse can be helped with kindness, patience and professional help.
A very good writing about abuse. Abused people tend to shy away from others because trust is lost and they are afraid of getting hurt again, so they go into their own little shell were they feel they are safe.
The patient and caring love of this beautiful older brother may restore the faith, trust and loving foundations of their roots together, Karen. There are no short-cuts, sadly, when it comes to sponging and erasing emotional dirt. Tears are good and need to flow until they are no more. Just the brother's constant care and attention, being there... all this will create the new-womb for this girl to be reborn. Together they can eventually learn a new language of mutual love and understanding. I have used the word "love" a lot in this review, but only love will do this. Peter and Emily will refind themselves and make a fresh start. And, within this, God can and will heal as He is invited into the situation. Bless you, another heart-rending situation that leaves us equally speechless with angst that these things can and do happen in our communities and down our street... Kate xx
So sad that some people suffer so much pain and some often never get past it. She is very fortunate to have a brother who cares and loves her so much. Thank you for sharing.
This character is a warm and caring person but I am afraid his little sister will not get help until she realizes she needs it which means there situation will probably get a lot worst before it gets any better.
Peter, you are embarked on an uphill task trying to recover your sister from the well bottom of domestic violence.
I hope that you have strength and stamina, because that job requires time and patience.
God bless.
Sadness in these lines: man's inhumanities to man crosses all cultures, all generations, all ages. Heartbreaking!! Well penned, Karen, and I LOVE that piccy of the LIGHTS!
A page-turning novel about a relationship between best friends that is interrupted because of betrayal , deceit, sexual promiscuity and pregnancy happens!
