“From The Ashes” - My Take

“As a Survivor, I can tell you without hesitation there is no such thing as “greater damage” or “worse pain.” If you are a Survivor, your experience, or a series of events, was painful enough to damage you in unimaginable ways. I don’t need to hear what the trauma was, it’s never insignificant if it alters your reality in some measurable fashion. All you need to tell me is“I’m a survivor” and I will know what it means to you. What it means to me. No details required. I’ve also never had another Survivor ask me for the details of my own personal experiences. I don’t waste time comparing notes. Because what breaks one soul may not necessarily do so for another. I understand it was enough for the one broken. That is pain. That is damage. I’m not going to try to quantify yours or weigh it against anyone else’s. Or against my own. It is. It’s that simple. You suffered. And you survived. That’s all I need to know of your story.”
 
And that is on page number one of “From the Ashes” by Willow, our WillowsWhimsies, before I read her outstanding poetry and my life was changed. Survivors identify with each other because we recognize ourselves in each other in ways we can’t explain. Willow’s words bring to life the emotions that are so difficult to express. It’s not an easy read, but for me, it was a life altering read. When you think you’re an island, that you’re the only one who has felt this way, to know you’re not, there aren’t words to describe the relief felt.
 
My healing journey involves many people. People that are recently in my life but who without their support, I wholeheartedly believe I would not be able to do the work I’m doing. I am a Survivor, with a capital S, because it deserves to be recognized. I wouldn’t have realized that had I not purchased this book of poetry and opened it.
 
I’m with Willow, I would never ask another Survivor their story, but I’ve been struggling with telling mine. Sometimes I wonder if it’s too overwhelming and at other times I wonder if it sounds like I’m just whining about things that aren’t really important. There are also times I ask myself if I really need to say anything at all. I read this paragraph multiple times. My trauma, my survivorship, that’s mine and it’s meaningful to me, that’s all that matters.
 
For all the Survivors in our DUP family, in the world and for anyone who has a loved one who is a Survivor, purchase Willow’s book of poetry. You will identify with what you read. You won’t be alone. You will understand and your life will be changed.
 
I’m endorsing her book. This is a major plug, but she has no idea I’m posting this. I doubt she’d allow it. She’s like that. Which is another reason you should read her book. You won’t be sorry.