A little bit about moi:
I am a mom, a nana, a sister, a woman, a friend, a human being…a youth counsellor, Family Life Educator.
I have been working in the helping profession for over 25 years and volunteered in various capacities from youths to seniors.
Tournesol is my nom de plume for haiku and other Japanese form poetry here at Tournesoldansunjardin https://cheryllynnroberts.wordpress.com I hope you enjoy reading through my daily waka.
I also have another blog "Stop the Stigma" where I may stand on my soapbox now and then and hope it will become a place to drop in and share or comment on issues important to you. In that vein this could be a great way to learn from each other.
http://stigmahursteveryone.wordpress.com
View all posts by Tournesol
Excellent Cher, the situation of hearing the secrets of so many, secrets I am sure that have haunted the holders and impacted on their lives. Again I am in awe of the work you do.
I share very little here on purpose. I am seeing the priest listening to horrendous stories and struggling with this as I am also showing an offender pleading for forgiveness but more importantly admitting to his trespasses. So as a part 2, it is sort of the story going full circle…but as you say,the damage is done. There is no jail time, no punishment that can take back the innocence of many who were abused. I do find some healing though in an offender admitting and feeling sorry for his transgressions…wouldn’t my reaction be vengeful and then I am the one poisoned and continually poisoning myself? Of course I have not experience outrageous offences…just thinking here.
That’s a good point Cher, I did consider the act of remorse and forgiveness I am just a little torn over the wrong done and nothing really undoes the wrong. You live with that, the offender lives with his sin, I think I know what is worse.
Thank you …I was too tired to make it longer…I had intended to add a part 2…but won’t share it in case I change my mind…I have 5 days off …so we shall see:)
I am so glad they have you to listen to them…. and I hope you have plenty of people to hold YOU close. So good that you have such supportive colleagues.
I did a clinical for my colleagues a few years ago on Vicarious Trauma and self care …all to avoid compassion fatigue. I have found writing here and especially on my other blog under a pseudonym most healing and cathartic as well. I find WP readers/bloggers are most supportive and also healing
Very powerful, i feel inclined not too say anymore so as not to detract from how powerful it felt to me, wonderful writing 🙂 PS amazing picture to go with it
Tournesol dans un Jardin 
Excellent Cher, the situation of hearing the secrets of so many, secrets I am sure that have haunted the holders and impacted on their lives. Again I am in awe of the work you do.
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Thank you, Michael. It is a labour of love.
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I know you see it that way I would think you are a great asset to the service.
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We are all assets and I feel privileged being a part of this family of helpers.
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What a happy workplace it must be.
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They are amazing!!
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Then you are lucky not every work place can boast that.
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This is true. It is the only place I have worked that the staff keeps me there as much as my work.
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Lucky you, enjoy it. Years ago I worked in a difficult school and the staff were very close, working together a lot to make the place better.
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I share very little here on purpose. I am seeing the priest listening to horrendous stories and struggling with this as I am also showing an offender pleading for forgiveness but more importantly admitting to his trespasses. So as a part 2, it is sort of the story going full circle…but as you say,the damage is done. There is no jail time, no punishment that can take back the innocence of many who were abused. I do find some healing though in an offender admitting and feeling sorry for his transgressions…wouldn’t my reaction be vengeful and then I am the one poisoned and continually poisoning myself? Of course I have not experience outrageous offences…just thinking here.
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That’s a good point Cher, I did consider the act of remorse and forgiveness I am just a little torn over the wrong done and nothing really undoes the wrong. You live with that, the offender lives with his sin, I think I know what is worse.
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I don’t know which is worse…both suffer but one gets compassion and support probably more than the bad guy:)
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Yes we are one big family…we laugh together, we cry together and share the same compassion for our youths.
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Excellent poem. It really takes us right there into the experience. A very vivid picture
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Thank you …I was too tired to make it longer…I had intended to add a part 2…but won’t share it in case I change my mind…I have 5 days off …so we shall see:)
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I am so glad they have you to listen to them…. and I hope you have plenty of people to hold YOU close. So good that you have such supportive colleagues.
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I did a clinical for my colleagues a few years ago on Vicarious Trauma and self care …all to avoid compassion fatigue. I have found writing here and especially on my other blog under a pseudonym most healing and cathartic as well. I find WP readers/bloggers are most supportive and also healing
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Very powerful, i feel inclined not too say anymore so as not to detract from how powerful it felt to me, wonderful writing 🙂 PS amazing picture to go with it
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Thank you, I wrote less here and in this case “less is best”.
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yes 🙂
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Take a look at this post http://triumphantwings.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/emotional-dealing/. I think the picture could be very useful to both of us.
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Thanks, Karuna, it IS a great read. Timing is perfect too. I’ll tell you later in an email.
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