We all know the big news that came from the News Conference and Candlight vigil (candle light at 7:30PM? oh well)
Well, on May 25th I was there. I arrived at the Benton CourtHouse at 9:30 AM, I guess I was expecting to see a lot of people there. There weren't, not at first at least. I walked around and around and around the courthouse looking for someone that looked like they were there for the press conference.
Finally, at about 9:55 I saw several cars with folks in suits drive by and figued "That must be them" I was correct.
I then notice a photographer and reporter, they both talked to me for a second, asked who I was, my connection with what was going on etc. I told them I knew of it from the internet, and that my interest was because I too am a survivor of abuse as a child.
I went back to my car to make my sign that said
Bethel, The Silentlambs are roaring! Protect the kids!I asked who in the car wanted to come for the press conference. Three of the four kids came, the wife and the daughter stayed in the car...initially.
As everyone began to gather someone noticed my "JWD" I also had printed on my sign. I introduced myself first as Michael Cavalier, and then as "Yerusalyim" and met many other wonderful POSTERS to this board.
Bill and Barb are both PURE JOYS!
By this time my wife has finally wandered out of the car along with my daughter. Several approach her, in fact another poster mentioned this earlier.
We listened to all the wonderful speakers at the press conference. I salute your courage!
After saying goodbye (with the wife in tears) we make a speedy departure to continue a car trip from South Caroline to Mossouri(how the heck do ya spell MO the state?)
What I took with me from this brief encounter is a DEEPER appreciation for the courage of every single Silent Lamb now roaring, and for Bill, Barb, and everyone else who spoke. I also have a deeper appreciation for the struggle my wife has with loyalty to a society that has harmed her. I also have a deeper sense of connectedness with other survivors of abuse. My abuser is dead, I've vented in therapy, it doesn't come up much even though it is a constant part of my sex life, my marriage, etc.
I also came away with a deep appreciation for the other posters here on this board. I almost feel a need to make sure I say something meaningful whenever I post. We'll see how long that lasts.
I'm glad we took the time from our trip to give Bill et al support.
It did my wife a lot of good. Every experience she's had with posters on this forum has been positive. Not that she'll remember them. She met Waiting and doesn't remember meeting her (dissociative disorder).
Thanks for being so kind to my wife all.
YERUSALYIM
"Vanity! It's my favorite sin!"
[Al Pacino as Satan, in "DEVIL'S ADVOCATE"]