WITH THANKS

 

 

Forward by Cheryl:

 

This letter was sent to me by John. It’s a true expression of his heart-felt thanks due to my writing him. Through our sharing, he is now on the road to recovery. Since our correspondences, he is also active in a survivor-counseling program. He’s come a long way and I’m proud of him. In regards to his letter, all I can say is thank you in return. His words have rendered me speechless.

 

 

 

Dear Cheryl,

 

I’d like to thank you for writing to me. I do appreciate every minute of the time you’ve given to me. I told you I have always found it difficult to find someone to speak with about my abuse. Cheryl you are the first who didn't tell me to be quiet. You didn't run away. You didn't tell me to forget it or tell me I was being selfish and making a fuss about nothing.

 

I have been searching for help for most of my life. I’ve needed a person to relate to - and along came Cheryl. I am most grateful to you for giving me the strength and confidence to be healed. I throw a few thoughts on paper and you take them and hone them into beautiful prose which verges on being poetry. You remind me of Teilhard de Chardin who wrote about the Worship of the Universe. That my dear Cheryl is high praise.  Put your hands on the works of Teilhard and you may see a reflection of yourself. Like Teilhard, your reflection is special. It brings forth the beauty of creation.

 

You paint pictures with your words, they become alive and step right off the page. Then your words draw the reader back to the page and into the picture. Cheryl, your writings are brilliant. Your words are for me, a banquet, so attractive, nourishing and life-giving. I have to take a little at a time to savor it; let it become part of me. Allow it to open my mind, my heart, and my emotions, so that they may be nourished and healed.

 

Since corresponding with you, I’ve opened the door to my past. I’ve been with my inner child who I call Liam. Liam is a valuable part of me. You nudged me towards writing about him. Not easy – emotionally exhausting, but necessary in order to fly to freedom. Thank you for giving me permission to find time to write.

 

Your response to my writing of Liam wasn’t just a response. It was a masterpiece, a banquet, a healing gift. You shared not only a portion of your life, but also of your heart. Cheryl, you may be wounded, but you also have the gift of healing. You are a wounded healer. You have a wonderful International Ministry for the benefit of people you may never set eyes on.

 

Thought for the day.  One side of the coin is that as you make use of your gift of writing, you experience inner healing. The other side of the coin is, as I read your words I am being healed. I tell you this because I believe in giving credit where credit is due. I do believe our creator dwells in the human heart. We humans become temples of love. Our hearts can become fountains of wisdom, fountains of life giving water.

 

God Bless and reward your goodness to me. You will always be remembered as my friend in Canada who not only triggered my healing – but nursed me along the road to recovery. Thank you for your words of wisdom, your compassion, understanding, care and attention.

 

Cheryl I am whispering because what I am sharing with you is special.

 

John

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Your welcome John,

 

Hugs Cheryl