Another brilliant piece from a GUNNAS WRITING MASTERCLASS WRITER
Two summers ago I read an article in The Age that changed the course of my life.It was an article about The Foster Girls and their courageous parents.
This is for them
Shame had kept me silent.
I spoke at The Royal Commission.
I am here for those who’s lives were ruined by men of the church and this Institution.
This is not about winning or losing its about showing up and being seen.
This is about knowing something and not being silent
This is who I want to be.I want to be that person who stands up for her rights.I want to be that person.
I was groomed in a very calculated way.
He said he was a man of god and that I should do what he says.
This went on for 2 years.
By the age of 13 I decided to take my own life.
I took some of my mothers sleeping tablets.I woke up.
Fast forward….
You have to trust that you can survive your own emotions and
@ 44 I realised that I have been fighting with myself all of my life.
Sometimes you just need to show up for yourself.I started to see and Have compassion for myself as I would a friend as if I heard this story from them.I learned to have a deep Love for my younger self.
And myself now
Intuition has been my savour.
There are people who know you and people that understand you.I need to be understood.
And as I grew up I began to understand that People are still not who I think they are but that was not my concern anymore.
I realised I was not depressed when I was younger I was just really fucking sad.
I’m sad I lost my childhood which I am now reminded of bringing up incredibly balanced,strong willed,extraordinarily amazing young females with parents that love them and more importantly support them emotionally & are present whole heartedly in their lives.
Lucky I woke up
This is what I learnt
Love yourself
This is how I survived