OMG, Virginia, I had to go cry in my work bathroom midway through this. What an absolutely horrifying thing to not just "go through" (like somehow you come out the other side healed or "better") but to endure and live with your entire life.
You ARE the Final Girl, the best, the most Buffy, the strongest, and above all, the survivor. Sending you big hugs, honey. So glad your monster has been locked away.
Like I said when we met you in Round Top, we are fans. Not only because of your unflinching superb taste with design, vintage and all things thrift, but because you have had to be your own hero, your mom’s hero and grow up well before your time. Our hearts go out to you. ❤️💪💪💪💪💪 much love from Texas.
I also have a monster, one we almost met in court a few years ago as he continued his trail of abuse and terror with a new family. New children. Ultimately that moment never came - the justice system is a complicated beast - but I felt every word of this. The long shadow, the lifetime of hypervigilance, the way childhood feels like it ends in an instant, how diminished and sad they truly are in the cold light of day. I struggled to find anyone who was unlucky enough to speak the same fucked up language I did, and always came up short. I’m so sorry that you ever had to go through this but I’m so thankful for your bravery in sharing it. I hope you are doing ok. There are many moments of confrontation where I expected to feel some sense of triumph or release but it always just sent me into a deep, deep grief. But my monster has yet to be taken down for good. The impact on me, my family, it’s never been truly heard or been taken into consideration. Maybe that’s the difference. I’m so glad you got to be heard. Sending love and strength to you and your mum. May there be some peace on the other side.
Truly inspiring! What a defining moment... you stood strong. You defended your Mother. You defended yourself. You protected the little baby that should have never experienced such horror. You protected your Grandmother's Spirit. You are amazing, in every sense of the word...We are truly in awe.... thank you for sharing, what a crazy and unbelievable inspiration <3 <3 <3
You are the absolute hero of your own life and your mother’s. Thank you for your candor in telling this painful, tragic story. I so admire what you have gone on to do in this life, finding the beauty, your entrepreneurship, and writing about your experiences.
❤️❤️❤️ phew Virginia, your writing is truly moving. Shedding a few tears as I read, knowing how much strength and gusto has been instilled in you by the women before you. I hope this is a new "after" for you ... The after that is freeing and a weight lifted. ❤️❤️❤️
As with others, the power of your words and actions has left me teary and awe-struck! Women supporting women under the most dire circumstances really stirs the soul. Your courage in both living and sharing your story is such a blessing to you, your mom & grandmother, and to all who are able to know or follow you. Your self-care and advocacy efforts continue to inspire. Rock on, brave one! ❤️🩹💖
Beautiful words full of strength about an unutterably dark, ugly blight on your lives. May you and your mother find some peace at last. I was most affected by your original post about this. Thank you for sharing.
OMG, Virginia, I had to go cry in my work bathroom midway through this. What an absolutely horrifying thing to not just "go through" (like somehow you come out the other side healed or "better") but to endure and live with your entire life.
You ARE the Final Girl, the best, the most Buffy, the strongest, and above all, the survivor. Sending you big hugs, honey. So glad your monster has been locked away.
Sheila your comments are always so thoughtful and kind. Really love your support
The sheer bravery of the women in this story, including yourself ❤️
Like I said when we met you in Round Top, we are fans. Not only because of your unflinching superb taste with design, vintage and all things thrift, but because you have had to be your own hero, your mom’s hero and grow up well before your time. Our hearts go out to you. ❤️💪💪💪💪💪 much love from Texas.
I also have a monster, one we almost met in court a few years ago as he continued his trail of abuse and terror with a new family. New children. Ultimately that moment never came - the justice system is a complicated beast - but I felt every word of this. The long shadow, the lifetime of hypervigilance, the way childhood feels like it ends in an instant, how diminished and sad they truly are in the cold light of day. I struggled to find anyone who was unlucky enough to speak the same fucked up language I did, and always came up short. I’m so sorry that you ever had to go through this but I’m so thankful for your bravery in sharing it. I hope you are doing ok. There are many moments of confrontation where I expected to feel some sense of triumph or release but it always just sent me into a deep, deep grief. But my monster has yet to be taken down for good. The impact on me, my family, it’s never been truly heard or been taken into consideration. Maybe that’s the difference. I’m so glad you got to be heard. Sending love and strength to you and your mum. May there be some peace on the other side.
We've never met, but I am SO proud of you. X
Truly inspiring! What a defining moment... you stood strong. You defended your Mother. You defended yourself. You protected the little baby that should have never experienced such horror. You protected your Grandmother's Spirit. You are amazing, in every sense of the word...We are truly in awe.... thank you for sharing, what a crazy and unbelievable inspiration <3 <3 <3
You are the absolute hero of your own life and your mother’s. Thank you for your candor in telling this painful, tragic story. I so admire what you have gone on to do in this life, finding the beauty, your entrepreneurship, and writing about your experiences.
❤️❤️❤️ phew Virginia, your writing is truly moving. Shedding a few tears as I read, knowing how much strength and gusto has been instilled in you by the women before you. I hope this is a new "after" for you ... The after that is freeing and a weight lifted. ❤️❤️❤️
As with others, the power of your words and actions has left me teary and awe-struck! Women supporting women under the most dire circumstances really stirs the soul. Your courage in both living and sharing your story is such a blessing to you, your mom & grandmother, and to all who are able to know or follow you. Your self-care and advocacy efforts continue to inspire. Rock on, brave one! ❤️🩹💖
You are extremely remarkable, just like your mother and grandmother ❤️ I truly hope your story ends how YOU want it to end xx
Your story continues to leave me speechless. I know your grandmother was really with you on that day. ❤️
Beautiful words full of strength about an unutterably dark, ugly blight on your lives. May you and your mother find some peace at last. I was most affected by your original post about this. Thank you for sharing.
Crying in the doctor’s office. You are so brave. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
❤️ you went through something that nobody should have to and experienced scars that are not always visible. Thank you for sharing your story.
❤️