In the last two years working and working through the assault, there were times where I struggled mentally to equate what had happened. Things just seemed too hard. My life has taken a different turn and things don’t feel the same.
Part of me is relieved that we’re able to move forward, but I’ve struggled to get to this place. It’s always emotionally draining when we have to work hard to get us into a better head space.
Although I have always been aware of what’s out there in the world, the assault has made me more aware now. I am more on my guard. You never thing this is what you may have to deal with.
As a child I wasn’t aware of what was happening outside of my own four walls. I was protected from it. Looking back I don’t believe the world was any less scary. Things still happened but as children you don't get to hear about those things.
As a family we have tried hard not to dwell but that’s not been easy either. Truthfully, we didn’t always succeed, stress always find its way in.
It's sad that children, need to be more vigilant once they leave home so that they're safe. No one has that guarantee, even your child.
I remember growing up and no one would lock their doors and you could take your kids anywhere without worry. When I went off to school I didn't have to worry like our kids do today.
I think it's a shame how society has gotten. People you think wouldn't do stuff like steal do it and are dishonest. But the economy has a lot to do with it and I think there is an evil presence that was here before, but just got worse.
I don't think it's going to get any better.
It is really hard for us as parents who want to protect our children to know that we can't always. My family's experience has shown us that. It's been a long two years to get to this point.
I think there is a lot of truth in what you say Lisa. Our children will just have to be more aware and street cred when they're not home. If that means making different decisions on their social time, then so be it.
I agree with Lisa completely.
My mum tells me stories about England 50 or so years ago when you didn't lock your doors and your neighbours would look after your children. I know its easy to look back with a nostalgic eye, but I have no doubt the world we live in now is a VERY different place and I have to say a much more selfish place.
It would be nice to find a little village to live in, somewhere where they are still cut off from the worst excesses of society and those values of yesterday are still important.
I agree with both you and Lisa.
I hear what you say about village life. Villages are not tainted in the same way cities are; but I still feel we all have to be vigilant wherever we live, or wherever we go.
No one can afford to be complacent any more. Those times are long gone.
Yes, it is pretty sad that children today need to be more vigilant than ever to be able to stay safe. I grew up being forced out into the world and have seen the worst of what humanity has to offer.
It's no wonder I ended up with PTSD and being hyper-vigilant. We now live in a world where people have become callous and cold where they only think of themselves.
I know that is one major reason I don't enjoy the thought of having to go back out into the world to have a life again. I'm hoping and praying that things can change in the future.
I agree with you about the state of the world and us having to be more vigilant.
I hope things get to change for you soon. You deserve it.
It's been a long time since posting here and this subject is very close to my heart as my son died due to the influences of society and the pressures to fit in and be one of the boys, nefarious characters with drugs and anger hand in hand. I have decided to make a drastic step and do something hand in hand with the police.
It's certainly not the society I grew up in but I find it a responsibility to work towards cleaning up the streets in the rough neighborhood I came from. I moved into the thick of it and it's certainly a dangerous mission but maybe I can save at least one kid that won't end up a predator.
I hope you are all doing well and hope you will allow me to keep you informed of my progress.
It's wonderful that you're using your personal experiences to do what you're doing to help kids turn their lives around. Very inspirational.
Please do let us know your progress. I'm delighted to see you back on site.