Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Let me first thank those who prayed for my mother and/or showed her kindness.
I wish I could say the type of woman so many of you believe she was reflected reality. It grieves me to say she was not and furthermore she was an abusive woman who at times engaged in numerous forms of abuse including violence toward both myself and my father. She instructed me as a little girl never to let the world know as “it would hurt the cause of Christ.” I kept silent until I was an adult. My mother behaved atrociously toward her own extended family and those she called friends including Christian friends. She at times was an artful manipulator so many of you think she was a pillar of the faith while in fact that public face was used as a facade so she could continue her behavior unnoticed and unchecked. If anyone ever wants to know further details or does not believe me but is open minded and amenable to honest conversation, I’m willing to discuss this. I am sure this is shocking to many of you but the truth is truth regardless if it’s palatable or not.
My mother never was the Christian or person so many of you celebrated. It is agonizing to even have to say any of this on a website but I saw the comment regarding her spiritual strength through adversity and it was one of the most painful things I’ve ever read.
I mean her no disrespect. You did not know her. I did. I loved despite herself. I forgave her. She is mine to mourn because I knew her, endured her horrific abuse and still loved her. She belonged to those of us who understood who and what she was and loved her nonetheless. I want to thank those people because I know how hard it was to love her.
Abuse victims in both the Christian and secular world have been asked to remain silent or cover up for their abusers for too long. Children have been asked to endure the inconceivable because the realization of what that means regarding responsibility of the community and its such a facing distressing topic is more uncomfortable than finding out and validating the truth. It is to our shame.
This posting is for all the victims of my mother. Know you are not alone and yes the sorrow she put you through was sinful and wholly unacceptable. My heart grieves for you. I wish you nothing but healing and recovery.
Thank you.
1500 Old York Road, Abington, PA
