Growing up was never a right of passage for me. I was constantly badgered for being a part of who I was, I was never the social child or the one who would make friends easily. Little did anyone know I was getting hurt at home, I was getting abused in more ways then one by those who were supposed to love me. I was a little too curious about the world around me, always in the wrong place at the wrong time. No one knew me because I didnt speak. I drew, I wrote, I cut, I painted, I screamed. Now 15 years later I still feel the effects of these traumatic events in my life. And where I stood up and said I would be nothing like my father, or I would be nothing like others... I am. I see it when I get angry, I hear it when I open my mouth. I feel it when I watch these videos and see these families suffering. I refuse to let my children be wasted and not stand up for themselves. I hate to say that it goes away, but it doesnt. It sticks to you like glue, all of the images, the words, the feelings and thoughts that go through your head. I make a stand today that I will make an impact and I will change, if not myself then for others around me. My children, their friends, and the families that I can see are affected. This is tragic and should never be tolerated. My hearts are with everyone who reads this, and I hear you.