Radio, I don't think a sexual abuse victim's life is forever destroyed. I was raped by my own grandmother and all she did was steal my innocence and some of my childhood. She taught me things a child should never know. But I can't say my life is destroyed!

I believe that it was a horrible thing I had to go through, but like any other problems in your life. If a hardship doesn't kill you, if you make it a lesson in life, then you become stronger in many ways and more sympathetic to other sufferers. It can also become a gauge for your own actions.

My childhood and teenage years were a pure living HELL but I can't say it destroyed me. I wouldn't be who I am today if all those things hadn't happened to me.

My T instilled in me that I am a survivor. You bet I am! But I didn't only Survive, I OVERCAME! I don't live with that Hell anymore.

If I had simply "survived" I couldn't be as active on this thread as I am. Yes, it triggers me from time to time. That's when I withdraw and regroup. I CAN'T BE HURT THAT WAY EVER AGAIN! I won't let it! That's what OVERCOMING is. You refuse the pain, refuse the behavior in you AND anyone else; the behavior of a victim! I was a victim in the PAST. NOT ANYMORE!

** Reference Fayerody (Pat's) article "Using our pain" and my response to it.