Kindle Edition
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RipplesTheBook.com
RipplesTheBok
Amazon
Category:
Self-Help
Publisher: Books To Believe In
ISBN-10: 1499185367
Pages: 158
Copyright: 06/08/2014
ISBN-13: 9781499185362
Price: $9.95 (eBook)
Ripples is a five generational view of how the effects of abuse extend beyond their starting point. Without explicit details, this book is a safe place for young and old victims, book clubs and families that walk along side a victim.
Ripples: The Generational Legacy of Abuse is the true story of a woman who would not be defined by her sexually abusive childhood. Without excuses or explicit details, Ripples points to the crossroads of learning and healing, the stops and starts in healthy growth and how abuse rippled over the lives of others. Five generations were touched by abuse and documented in this unique story. Here mistakes are shown, not as failures, but as opportunities to live one’s life differently than in a constant state of victimhood. Ultimately, this book shows how abuse is a generational tragedy and that it is never too late to be happy and live your life outside of the shadow of fear and shame.
More than just a story about abuse, Ripples takes the next step and provides questions at the end of each chapter to journal. This allows the reader, if they choose, to engage and participate in the healing process at a personal level or even with a professional counselor.
Excerpt
“Then the engine started. Grandpa began to turn the car around. Something had caught his eye as he turned his head over his shoulder to look out the back window. He stopped the car and got out. My heart sank. Instantly, a hand reached in and grabbed me by the arm. It was my father, and I knew I was as good as dead. My grandparents didn’t like the way my father handled me, so they raised their voices. Their protests were too late to save me from a huge smack across the face. Next, I heard my father’s stern command to stay put on the porch and not to move.
The four adults entered the house and shut the door. Never before had I heard my grandparents raise their voices. I just covered my ears and sobbed with my head on my knees in a near-fetal position, rocking back and forth. Nothing mattered anymore because I knew I would end up like one of our chickens. Just then, Grandma came out and hugged me. I clung to her for dear life and begged her to take me home with her. She started to cry, too. Grandpa came out and put his arms around the two of us as I continued to plead, “Don’t make me stay here!” Time turned to slow motion as I was torn out of their arms and my grandparents ultimately had to drive away without me.
That night, my tears dried up with my unanswered screams. All my senses went numb. I still don’t remember all that happened that awful night after my grandparents left.
There were four distinct outcomes from that day. First of all, and most importantly, my grandparents had me over to spend the night more often. Oh, this was the most amazing time! We played, laughed, and cuddled. Second, my father’s intimidation tactics increased in frequency and intensity. Looking back, I believe my father wanted to be sure he maintained control of me. The family secret was not something that he would allow to get out to anyone else, even other family members. Third, the actual sexual and physical abuse worsened with my father’s anger. Fourth and sadly, it also meant I completely lost hope and became resigned to a nightmarish existence. I learned to believe just what my father wanted me to believe: that I had no power over my situation and neither did anyone else.”
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