Last week when I sat by the Detective and asked him how things were going....he said, "I have two adolescent boys (who are talking to him about their sexual abuse) and I don't have nothing to give them....I am not sure about a journal, but I do wish I had something. And I surely can't give them the ones with the Lady on the front," he said with a smile and wistfulness. I said, "Let me ponder this and see what I can do."
I mentioned this conversation to my brother Carl (who was abused as a young boy) and he said he thought they would use a journal...he mainly didn't want them being overlooked. He and I both felt it would be nice if Tom had a boy journal to offer.
I found two smaller sketch journals as well as two black lined journals that I covered. This was a stretch for me to make "boy" looking ones....or at least non feminine looking, yet still artful....a place to put such sacred truths.
Above are the four I made this morning. I wrote "Me, Mine, Love Truth, and I M Perfect" in the quilting. I wanted to impart ownership as well as words that will reflect the essence of them speaking out.
I am in awe of such young brave boys...and even if they don't choose to take one, the idea will have been planted...to write. It gives me hope that boys are now willing to speak up so they can be healed...to shatter the secret and open themselves up to living life in full disclosure. Even if they never write, just having the ear of Tom Rosemurgy is huge. He is such a kind soul. And I want to help Tom as he helps them.
May these journals find the right hands to hold them...and be a place to store the tragic truths of abuse. Writing it down on paper, released the overwhelming emotions that swirled inside. It was a place to go and talk...and cry. A tool I used to find a clear mind. May the children who pass through Tom's office shorten their pathway to healing...just by finding such a caring man...and a journal to take home.
