thank all of you dear people for your concerns and gentle hugs. they are greatly and deeply appreciated.

the ghosts have retreated and the pain is silent for the moment. still sleeping too much and a sense of thickness on the edges of the brain trying to block out the images of long ago. but the healing needs to be done, have waited way too long. it's time now.

i have my "safe" things always near, and my wonderful new bed of comfort to hopefully still the nightmares, or at least offer solace when they appear.

but now i come here. am so incredibly encouraged that i can share now what i held within for too long. thank you all for this gift of hope.