Wednesday, November 16, 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We had a big turn-out at our last advanced training on Saturday, November 12th. If you weren't able to make it, we missed you! We discussed abuse and neglect - not the happiest of subjects but very important. I appreciate the comments offered by peer parents - I always learn so much from each of you. I had made a thanksgiving treat for everyone but I forgot to hand them out! Sorry!

I read a poem at the end of the training and several of you wanted a copy so here it is...

MISTY

My name is Misty
I am but three
My eyes are swollen
I cannot see.

I must be stupid
I must be bad,
What else could have made
My daddy so mad?

I wish I were better
I wish I weren't ugly,
Then maybe my mommy
Would still want to hug me.

I can't speak at all
I can't do a wrong
Or else I'm locked up
All the day long.

When I awake
I'm all alone
The house is dark
My folks aren't home.

When my mommy does come
I'll try and be nice,
So maybe I'll get
Just one whipping tonight.

Don't make a sound!
I just heard a car,
My daddy is back
From Charlie's Bar.

I hear him curse
My name he calls.
I press myself
Against the wall.

I try and hide
From his evil eyes,
I'm so afraid now
I'm starting to cry.

He finds me weeping
He shouts ugly words,
He says its my fault
That he suffers at work.

He slaps me and hits me
And yells at me more,
I finally get free
And I run for the door.

He's already locked it
And I start to bawl,
He takes me and throws me
Against the hard wall.

I fall to the floor
With my bones nearly broken,
And My daddy continues
With more bad words spoken.

"I'm sorry!", I scream
But it''s now much too late,
His face has been twisted
Into unimaginable hate.

The hurt and the pain
Again and again,
O please God, have mercy!,
Oh please let it end!

And he finally stops
And heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless
Sprawled on the floor.

My name is Misty
And I am but three,
Tonight my daddy
Murdered me.

(Author unknown)

Preparing the lesson on child abuse/neglect and reading this poem and other heartbreaking information, made me appreciate so much the wonderful things in my life. Among my blessings, I count my associations with each of you. I so much appreciate the sacrifices you make, the empathy you show and the great example you are to so many families who need the support of a good teacher and role model. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!