Evaluating Pain
A childless friend used to tell me
How painful baby showers were for
her.
She mourned what she never had.
I didn't understand-still don't.
I felt your tiny fingers grip mine.
I nursed, bathed and held you.
Watched you grow, looked at
your beauty.
Marveled that I had given birth to
someone so lovely.
I laughed and giggled with you-and
at you.
Scolded your thoughtless and
careless deeds.
Took pride in all you accomplished.
Which is worse? Her pain or mine?
Neither - just different.
I'm fortunate for "it is best to have
loved and
Lost than to never have loved at all."
But there will be no more happy
memories.
No more long talks, or hugs or
kisses.
No more honors gained or goals
reached.
No more tiny fingers - I'm just
beginning to understand.
...Shirley Pierce Bostrom
April 1997 and January 1999
25% to 30% of adolescent relationships are abusive.
1/2 of all rape victims are raped between ages 14 and 17.
Abuse is about POWER and CONTROL, NOT about passion or love! Abuse is NOT okay!
