Why 35 Years Ago Matters

This isn't a political issue. Any political comments will be removed without regard to who they came from. I am just telling my story.

I was 17 when I was attacked in pretty much the same way as Dr. Ford except there was no drinking involved. Did I report it? No, I was scared and at that time, little would have been done to him anyway. It was one of the most terrifying moments in my life which lead to weeks of not sleeping and a lifetime of distrust. Woman don't think like men, we never will. When will men get it that they have NO right to lay their hands on ANY woman without her permission? I don't care what she is wearing, saying, doing, or what he thinks she is doing, a man has no right to touch a woman without her permission. Just because he didn't get all the way with her, does not mean that it wasn't a valid attack. NO MEANS NO! There are NO exceptions.

I still remember that day very vividly and, unfortunately, think of it often. I cried for weeks after, late at night, when no one would hear. I did nothing wrong yet I felt like I was the one that should have been ashamed. I never dressed suggestively, said anything suggestive, or even hinted that I would be interested in him in any way. It was just that he felt he had the right to do whatever he wanted to me. There was another male in the room whose name I will not mention that sat and did nothing but watch. This male should have been my protector but did nothing of the sort which hurt even more because of the nature of our relationship. To this day, I am sure that he would deny it. No one would be shocked by that. 

This is the kind of stuff that affects every relationship that comes after it. That is why it is important today. None of my relationships have been untouched by this experience. 

Men don't think like women, they never will. Women are emotional creatures and there is great beauty in that. But when something emotionally traumatic like this happens, rarely can it be fully recovered from without affecting life later down the road. It is a big deal that she was attacked. Maybe not to you, but to her, it was life-altering, just as it was for me.

More women need to share their stories. The men in our lives deserve to know. Maybe if more men realized how messed up events like this make us, they can teach our boys how to be good men and to treat women with the respect they deserve.

My Top 5 Things I Wouldn't Want To Be Without

I recently watched a video or two on YouTube with the subject heading of Five Things I couldn't Live Without. I'm not into designer bags or trendy fashion accessories but there are somethings in my life that I would never want to be without. Here they are!

1. A Great Friend and Family Support System I love my family and friends and without them I would be nothing. No we don't always get along and sometimes we even hurt each other but we know someone always has our back.
2. An Automobile Yeah, this is something we take for granted at times but when we don't have one, we feel trapped and isolated. Mine is a 98 Dodge Caravan. It is a rust bucket and is about to turnover 200,000 miles but it still starts every morning.
3. A Roof Over My Head and Food In Our Bellies Another of the things we take for granted, but there are too many people without these luxuries. During this time of year, I speak of Winter, I have a warm place to lay my head and shelter for my children. We have food. Yes' I complain about the rent and the price of food, but it is truly a small price to pay.
4. My Babies Okay, I'm getting sappy, I know. My kids are my life and without them I would be lost. It is a lot of work raising kids but I, like many of you, wouldn't trade it for anything. They are 100% worth every effort.
5. My Faith In God Faith has gotten me through the most horrible times in my life. Without God in my life things would have fallen apart long ago. This is one thing that my mother gave me at a very young age and to this day I thank her. It is what made her a strong woman and He continues to do the same for me. 

This is an unconventional Top 5 but these things are what make my life easier and worth living. Take stock of your Top 5 Things That You Would Not Want To Be Without today!

On A Cool Fall Evening

There are few things better than a cool Fall evening spent with family or even alone with a good book, a favorite mug filled with cocoa, and a warm throw blanket. I am a book fiend. Love to snuggle with a good book and lose myself in its pages.

Even better is cuddling with the one you love under a warm blanket while watching a movie. It is an amazing mixture of comfort and relaxation. Better still is the warmth of a fire and the dancing light of the flames that fill the room.

My favorite thing to do is watch the sunset. Nothing beats nature at it's most beautiful. Even a fire in a pit in the back yard while snuggled in a warm blanket is an amazing Autumn activity while hanging out with friends and family, telling stories and remembering good times while sipping a hot beverage.

Take time to enjoy the smells and feelings of Fall before they pass all too quickly!  

When All Seems Lost

We all have days when all seems lost, when we feel lost. The world seems like a cold cruel place sometimes. The most important thing to remember is problems are temporary. This feeling will pass and there are people who love and care even during the roughest times. Life may seem like it is working against you. Sometimes the outcomes we want aren't always the best outcomes for us and there is another plan at work.

Hold on! Don't be afraid to reach out. Don't be afraid to pray or to ask others to pray for you. More often than not, they will. Don't be afraid to cry no matter what gender you are and don't let anyone tell you not to. Crying is a healthy release of emotion.

You can get through this and you are not alone!

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