Annie's Corner

Annie's Story of Recovery: The Pain, and the Victories
told through Poetry, Writings, and Artwork

I've included some writings that were painful to write and may be painful to read because without facing the pain, my victories wouldn't be as meaningful to me or to you. I hope you'll get to know me better by reading about my life and recovery journey. It has been painful, yes, but oh so rewarding. I am so thankful I took the time to look at my past and work on changing my present and my future.

My life is so much more fulfilling now. I am more aware, I work on building more intimate relationships instead of running, I feel better about myself (even like myself), and my relationship with God has grown and I have a new appreciation for what he has helped me through. This has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done in spite of the pain. I'm not "there" yet, but I'm so glad I'm not where I used to be.

Currently I am available for online email support for survivors and their loved ones. I also facilitate classes/groups for other survivors through my church. This is also very rewarding --watching other women grow and heal, and being able to just walk along side of them as we share with each other our victories, our weaknesses, and our pain. For me, sharing my own healing process has also aided in my recovery, and has made me feel like some good has come out of my life.

I also occasionally share the things I have gleaned along the way with other groups: (i.e., churches, support groups, etc.) It's always exciting for me to do this, because when I begin sharing, I am once again reminded of the wonderful people who have been helping me to heal, and of all the positive changes I've been able to make in my life because of God's and their help.

I am a wife of 27 years and have a very supportive husband. We have grown closer as a couple through this as well. Fortunately, though not always easy, he has chosen to face the ways in which we were dysfunctional together and we're still working on changing our unhealthy coping styles -- mainly avoidance and fear of conflict. WE have two grown children whom we love dearly, and three beautiful grandchildren.

I hope you will bookmark this page and come back often. I'll be adding things on a regular basis.

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