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One story tells of a child who was abused in every way, and neglected. She saw death, was told of her own and continually feared impending death and what it would be like. What would it feel like to be beat to death? What would it feel like to suffocate...not if, but when? She learned to hold her breath a very long time. We'll just add in mental and sexual abuse to that being consistent with the threats so she won't tell. We'll set this story on military bases, moving constantly with no family...no one to trust or tell. This story is of abuse and of a child going away because she couldn't deal with the abuses.

There's a second story. One wherein a child DID escape serious injury and profound mental illness. A story where this child made soup with the leave, berries, twigs and stuff that she found while hiding deep within a huge bush. She also found happiness tucked inside the doghouse with the dog's head laying on her lap...feeling true love. She could go to the sand pearl hills and was "queen of the mountain". She could go to the woods where she was "princess of the forest".

Putting the two stories together has been the most amazing difficult, blessed experience of all. I was the abused little girl. I was the princess of the forest. They all survived and became me...a person who knows when one speaks of abuse, fantasy, survival and pain.

The stories within the chapters have come together for a really OK ending...to bring the many chapters together into one book of history. The sequel is now beginning.

I'm too excited.

KD