Child Abuse Casts The Long Shadow of a Lifetime
I read these articles for the first time when I created this piece. It helped me forgive him for what he did to me and understand why he was so damaged.
The child victim in me saw the child victim in him for the first time.
The murderer was once a child of BRUTAL abuse. Many adults in his world knew about the beatings, torture and starvation. But no one sought to protect him or speak the truth to his parents.
I often wonder what he would be like if his village rose to help that child. So many lives were damaged or taken. Surely the ripple effect of his rage would be thousands.
This piece opened the door to speaking to him twice when he asked for forgiveness and denounced racism. I wanted to show him compassion as he was preparing for his execution. It freed us both.
He was executed November 20, 2013.
Terry, how you have touched my heart. Such awesome images and heart
rendering words. Please don’t ever hold back from telling your story.
April 12, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Thank you Aunt Wanda! I am learning that telling my story allows healing for me and others. Healing will always be the goal for me.
April 14, 2014 at 8:20 am
Simply amazing! You are a remarkable survivor!
April 13, 2014 at 10:19 pm
Thanks Dan! I appreciate your compliment!
April 14, 2014 at 8:18 am