Years ago, there was a little girl about 10 years of age who found out her parents were to separate on that Xmas eve. The little girl did not question but understood things the best way she could. See earlier that day the girl, along with her parents, were involved in a hit and run accident. It was fathers fault as he had been arguing with mother and was under the influence. In an instant cars collided and the little girl, hurt from the impact, caught a glimpse of the overturned car her father had hit. She sent a prayer to the victim as her father sped down Ventura Blvd. Both mother and daughter were left abandoned on the street with no money as the father sped away from good Samaritans who chased after. After pleading bus driver after bus driver for admission since there was no money, the two made it home. Truth of the matter was that this was a very familiar story for mother and daughter. A hit and run story. Domestic violence occurred many a times and in different shapes and forms. This was just another story to add to the book. The father got away, made it home and showered and ate dinner. As mother and daughter got home tired, hungry and confused there was no telling what was to come next. So after the parents argued in the bedroom it was time for the little girl to find out the outcome. As the little girl sat and heard her father make his apologies, she never asked why or questioned his love for her. Reality was that she knew this story all to well and had come to the conclusion that he just didn't know how to love. Domestic violence doesn't take vacations especially on holidays, it happens everyday. I was that little girl and on that Xmas day I felt as if mother said that was the last ride he would take us on. Unfortunately it wasn't and things had to get worse in order for mother to truly realize when it was time to call it quits. I for one learned to love my father and mother unconditionally but alcohol and drugs took a hold and mangled, destroyed and suffocated the chance for me to have an ideal upbringing but I have reconciled and made amends. You live and learn and on this particular Xmas eve I learned that the life marches on. Holidays are set to be one thing but we, in all honesty, make them what we want them to be. And you wonder why depression and suicide rates are higher during these times then any other days of the year.
For many little boys and girls that undergo many tragedies or continuous violence I send a prayer to them today on this Xmas eve, like all other years, that their day come soon where peace is all they will ever know. As a grown woman I have learned to live life and learn from it. I love my family and I give thanks to God for my parents and my brother because they are all I have. I am thankful to have them in my life and especially thankful for everything else; who I am, friends, life, etc... I send you love and may God bless you and your family. Merry Xmas to you all and remember what we need to really cherish and hold true on this day besides gifts and material items...Love, family, friends and life are our gifts so thank you for your friendship and hope you find truth to my story. God Bless.
