A MOTHER’S GREATEST NIGHTMARE

By Sheryl

My heart was bleeding. My tears were flowing.

I remember it well. My daughter was five years old. She celebrates her official birthday in the summer so her kindergarten teacher allowed children to select a special day during the school year to celebrate with a treat to share.

It was Sunday night, just after my sweet, innocent daughter came home from a visit with her father. I was baking cupcakes and we were going to decorate them for the unbirthday celebration the next day.

My little one wandered into the kitchen and spoke words that still send chills throughout my body thirty plus years later. “Mom, no one can touch me in my private parts unless you give them permission, right?”  I stuttered, “That’s right.” My mind raced faster and faster. Instead of decorating cupcakes together, she went in to bed. I followed; gathered her in my arms, held her close, and took a deep breath. I plunged head first into the question burning inside my heart, “Honey, can you tell me what happened ?” She very clearly recounted that her cousins (who were ages 7 and 9) “touched” her in her vagina (I’ve always used the proper terms for body parts with her.). She went into great detail, describing the incident.

After I reassured her that I would always love her and protect her, I held her until she fell asleep.

My heart was bleeding. My tears were flowing. I called her father, and he vehemently denied that she had been alone with these boys.

I called a dear friend of mine who does counseling with children and she agreed to see her the next day. Daylight crept into our life, but the storm was real. She went to school, was very withdrawn, not engaging in any activity, including handing out her special treats. After seeing a special woman, it was confirmed that the hell of abuse had happened. Together, my dear counselor friend and I reported this to the Department of Children and Family Services.

An investigator came and spoke with my daughter without me present. My very bright, articulate daughter spoke her truth.

Charges were filed. I secured an attorney who could help me protect my sweet daughter.  My daughter spoke her truth to the attorney, and eventually to a judge.

Counseling helped her. Love and support helped her. A court order helped her.

Her father persisted in denying the abuse while on his watch. But, she was strong and managed to keep above it. My mama bear instinct has been on high alert always. Protect the innocent.

About The Author

Sheryl was a Counselor, working with a variety of adult college students before her retirement. She specialized in working with women’s issues and career development. She has one beautiful daughter who has navigated life with grace. Early intervention, a trusted counselor, gifted with the ability to work with children, a loving family and a good attorney provided her daughter with a safe and healthy environment.