I self-published a memoir titled UNWANTED; I am Lorrie, and I am a Foster Child. Once the formatting was complete, I hired an advertising and marketing team to assist me with getting the book into customers’ hands. The team read my memoir, and we scheduled our first meeting. I was expecting to speak about the book. But the meeting started with me being described as strong, wise, and a warrior. Then my writing style was described captivating, inspirational, and powerful.
The Director of the project noticed my discomfort and asked me, “Lorrie, are you aware of what it takes to have such a survival story?” With partial embarrassment, I explained that I never considered what it took to survive it because, in my mind, I am still surviving. He then said to me, “Lorrie, you have made it, so do yourself a favor, and learn to enjoy it.”
So, I had to stop and reflect. What I call surviving others sees it as heroic. And as an advocate for abused children, Domestic Violence victims, and marginalized populations of people, I am aware of countless people who didn’t survive abuse. I earned the accolades given to me, and I must learn how to appreciate them.
Sincerely,
Healing
