At times, it was 10 feet wide. Others, it was mere millimeters.
I fell, silently. My voice was stolen at the age of 12. I was unable to cry for help.
Below, an abyss. A deep, dark, prickly place.
I was walking along, happier than I’d been for some time, when I stumbled.
The abyss was waiting for me, with its greedy claws outstretched.
*
This time, I clung to the rope above me. I didn’t want to fall. Not this time. Please, not this time.
I clung. Limp. Barely holding on. Invisible to those passing by.
But you. You. You know who you are. You noticed. You stopped. You grabbed onto what remained of my self, and you pulled with all your might. You didn’t know why. You didn’t know how, but you pulled against the abyss, anyway.
I know you hear me say thank you. But can you ever know what it means to me to be pulled, unscathed, from the abyss? It almost swallowed me whole for the millionth time, and you saved me. You helped me to find my voice. Thank you will never be enough.
And Nic. You changed my life with your story. We are sisters, you and I. Sisters of sorrow, of grief and of unimaginable pain, but also of survival. Your strength gives me hope for the future.
Quieter than the squeak of a field mouse, I spoke. Filled with anger, my voice rose.
You heard me. You stopped. You listened. You gave me strength. Every one of you.
Melissa and Duchess and Sautter and Cindy and Kendra and Neena and Issa and Stacey and Nic and Tracy and Meghan and Jenna and PB and Jazz and Megan and Habanero Gal and Marinka and Heather C. and Kellee and Krissy and Eileen and Samantha and Tricia and Vixen and Lora and Kathy and Greis and Maura and Heather and Katie and Kirsten and Al_Pal and Kari and Kate and Stoneskin and Susan. And always, always, my husband. My trapeze artist, trying to catch me.
The abyss is still there. It will always be there.
For twenty years, it was a deep and lonely chasm I walked above, never knowing when I might fall.
Always, I wondered when my happiness would be taken from me.
But now. There is a safety net below me.
The abyss has lost its power.
Thank you.
Originally Posted at The Sweet Life 8/11/2009 8:27 pm
Comments:
You are stronger than you know. And more inspiring than you could ever imagine. Thank you for being brave enough to tell your story. (HUGS)
Just know that you are getting stronger and more powerful with each word you write. xoxo
That was beautiful. I’m sure you have helped people out of their own abysses, as well.
Oh sweetie. I’m glad it helped, but seriously, don’t sell yourself short. You saved yourself. You are incredibly strong to have not only survived, but flourished. You kick ass. {big hugs}
XOXO – I’m here anytime you need ANYTHING!!!
Your husband is there, we’re here. Always. To catch you, but YOU did the work. Continue to kick the abyss in the ass. We’ll celebrate all the successes together!
weeping tears of joy for you, my sister, my friend.
bravo, my friend. bravo. If I could toast you right now I’d always wish for the existence of strong safety nets!
You are filled with strength. You just didn’t know it. It takes courage to write about what happened to you. You found your voice, and you used it. I am proud of you.
Cheers to nets of any shape, size and sort! Glad to be here for you, but YOU are the one who has done all the hard work. And you should be so proud of yourself for it.I am.
Andrea, you are amazing. Sweet, funny, kind, awesome and just amazing. But this? You did this for yourself. You opened up and poured your words onto this page and you helped yourself. You never know who you could have helped with that post. Writing what you did is one of the bravest things you could have done. Truly.Still…we’re here for you whenever you need it. That’s what friends are for. To help you when you need it; pick you up when you need it and make fun of you when you get drunk at dinner.
In my lifetime I don’t think I will ever write that eloquently.
You are a strong women and never alone. Blog world has saved me in many ways, you are always amongst friends.
You humble me. Your strength is extraordinary. Love you.
I have no fear in being part of your safety net, because you won’t fall. Your power is within you, and has been, just waiting to be released. Much love to you. The abyss is powerless now.
I agree with everyone else, the strength is yours, my darling, but I’m happy to hold your hand while you muster it. Any time.
I am so glad to be a part of the big human net that we can reach out to each other and hold on through the universe
Thank you for sharing your voice with us.Love you!
)
*hugs and more hugs*
