“It’s the teachers who remain on the very edge of their own deep healing that can truly relate to the student who still suffers – and they’re the most able to offer a compassionate and knowing hand.”
Stephanie Snyder
I hear her crying. She’s here seeking refuge, comfort. It triggers me. The thoughts run through my mind “I can’t do this, I am not equipped to deal with this. This one is too close to home.” Sexual assault happens to 1 out of 4 women, and those are the ones who report it.
She’s 15. A young girl. With dreams in her heart and wings on her feet. She is a good person. A human being. A Human – Being sad right now. Being Powerless. Being Ashamed. Being Hurt. I can’t even describe with words what I felt, never mind what she feels. The only thing I can do is help her by listening. By offering the piece of knowledge that her feelings do not define her. Her body does not define her. She is perfect. She is whole. She did NOTHING wrong. This infuriates me and at the same time teaches me about myself. Helps me to continue on a journey of post traumatic growth. You can’t change the world, but you can help one person. Yourself. And only in doing so, can you help another.
Give yourself a hug little one. Place your left hand under your armpit near your heart and wrap your right arm around your left. Hug yourself. Take some very deep breaths. You are as vast as the sky and as deep as the ocean.
YOU ARE OK
YOU ARE WHOLE
