Secrets and The Wall Of Silence
For almost 38 years I have kept my secrets, maintained the wall of silence for the benefit of everyone else in the family. I had a friend suggest today that I shouldn’t be doing this, that I might hurt someone else by telling my secrets. I might shatter their illusions of the man my grandfather was. I might not be believed, they might take sides, it might tear the family apart.
To this I respond: I have a story that must be told in my journey towards health. Yes, I might indeed step on someone else’s toes or even perhaps bring up painful memories for them, because he was a child predator and I might not be the only one he chose as his “Special” family member. His acts tore my side of the family apart 38 years prior when he first touched me and told me Shhh… don’t tell Grandma or your Parents.
The Sanctity of the Family Bond, stripped away in a matter of moments. The Trust he had been given by my parents to watch over us while they were away — shattered in seconds, though they never had to face it until 7 years later. The Trust and Love of a young child for her Grandpa twisted and corrupted and irrevocably changed forever.
But all of that, is just the beginning of the damage he spun. You see, I am not the only one who has paid the price of this secret and silence. Everyone in my family has already ultimately paid the price, whether they are aware of it or not. My Grandmother (When she was still alive), My Children, My Parents, My Sister, My Brother, My Nieces & Nephews & Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, My Spouses, My Friends and every other relationship I’ve ever gotten involved in has been affected by what started almost 38 years ago.
~ Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.– John 8:32