Rape Support Group

I haven't even got to the year. You should be so proud of yourself for being strong for 7 years! thats a huge achievement which you should celebrate. Make your birthday a happy day knowing you've got through it rather than a bad memory! Well done! Thinking of you.

I am so sorry that your birthday is shared with such a horrible thing. I had my 38th anniversary in May. I was hospitalized and they told me some things to help me get through the day.

One was grounding. I was to 'remain in the day', not allow my mind to travel back. So, in order to stay grounded, I stayed busy doing things like artwork. It was very settling for me to do the artwork and I focused only on beauty and nature. The gifts God gave us, and I drew from that.

Since my rapists were never accused, charged...I was encouraged to draw a picture that represented what I hoped would have been their punishment. I drew what I thought would be acceptable, but when asked directly if that was really what I wanted, I said, "No, but I didn't think you'd let me draw the wood chipper."

Make the day about you, if yo can. Do something you'd normally never do for yourself. Make sure you spend the day with people you love, and who deserve your company. Happy Birthday sounds hollow, but, I hope it is.