A bunion of a gal, I called Cousin Betty, leaned on a century-old redwood tree picking at a quarter-size scab on her elbow. She was unsightly, red all over with flakes of skin saluting the wind. When I thought about Betty, I visualized a witch hunched over a littered kitchen table yanking on the blue ligaments of a cold chicken leg with her silver-crowned, tobacco-stained teeth.
I couldn’t help myself.
This complete story can be found in the book Everyday Aspergers
Based on True Events © Everyday Aspergers, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. https://aspergersgirls.wordpress.com
Everyday Asperger's 
I read another post today about sex and how hard it is for abused people to discuss it openly. Now, I read your post about a different sort of abuse. I wasn’t whipped often. I can’t say I was ever whipped when it wasn’t for a good reason (running away or some serious offense ). Still, I think beatings need to be put away on a high shelf. Consistency and understanding, I think, lead to better, well-rounded children. I never whipped my children hard enough to leave a mark. I stopped entirely when they were still young. They have grown up well, and have no beating scars (emotionally or physically). The people who beat you should have been punished. My opinion, but I really feel strongly about it.
Scott
Thank you for sharing your experience and sharing your viewpoint. Interestingly enough, I am entirely unattached to this story. The emotional and physical pain (scars) are long ago healed. Still, I thought this a vital part of my journey, and wanted to show the sensory details that my mind picks up….how everything is so intense. I am glad to hear your children grew up well. That makes my heart happy. I think the life these cousins led in the story was punishment enough….they were very wounded people. Hugs, Sam
I am glad you are unattached now. It is a good sign of the healing process at work.
Scott
I can’t “like” this post though I loved the way you write, a truly artistic form. There is NO excuse that gives anyone the right to do this – this is just abuse in raw form and it makes me angry and sick that it could be based on reality. I imagine the board ended up in the fire. Idiots. Again, I feel the need to rescue. Instead, I just send hugs. xo
So glad you picked up on the artistic form. I wanted to express the sensory details I experience. I have no more sadness about this event. It was written years ago, and the pain was released then. Seems another lifetime and another person. You have such a huge heart….indeed I understand the need to rescue. And I know that you explained that the details and writing create feelings….so I know I would feel the same upon reading another’s similar story. Still, I want to not make anyone sad. 🙂 Thank you for your kindness and support. 🙂 Sam
Well..this is so well written and vivid…You capture this event with such clarity….I can think back to things in the past that are healed as well so I’m glad this is for you
Clearing throat, coughing, tapping you on back gently, whispering sweetly….”You forgot Samtastic.” giggles. Thanks Sir D for the kind words…tried to be vivid with this one…so that’s good that my words expressed the details. Glad to hear about your healing. Hugs. The Sam….processing as always.
Sam, Sam, Sam, I’m cringing for you. . . . It’s not much consolation, but I feel that God always gets the creepy people in the end. Just remember that you’re the one who turned out sane and beautiful–no the creepy, cruddy folks in life.
thanks George….they had hard sad childhoods…I hope they found some hope and transitioned to loving people.
Geez Sam…this was hard for me to read because I felt like I was with you during this painful ordeal ~ and children never should have to endure such abuse – ever. It was superbly written – takes the reader up close. .. like any good book does where you can feel as if you are intimately involved in the story…
We all have ghosts like this in our past…and to know you are able to release and heal, and be able to write such a vivid account of such a memory — amazes me actually. I do not think I could do such – but hold you in great regard for being so courageous and strong, and feel happy for you knowing the pain is no longer thanks to the inner-work you have done. Sending you warm hugs ss !! 🙂
Thank you dear Robyn. You are an amazing lady. So kind and insightful. I appreciate all of your words and look forward to your comments. I am so happy you like my writing. 🙂 Sam
Don’t ‘like’ your writing Sam…LOVE it – truly 🙂 you have a gift beyond words my friend — keep using it:)
I’ve been reading short stories by Joyce Carole Oated for the past two weeks. Dropping in to visit your short fiction is as much as a treat. Beautiful storytelling. I adore these honest, unflinching vingettes. Than you, Sam. Thank you for taking me with you on your journeys.
Lori
What a very nice comment. Wow. Thank you. Much appreciated. And my pleasure to take you along the journey, friend. xoxox Sam 🙂
Wow, you are very visual and it is refreshing. It is like i can hear, feel, see and touch your words of experience. I love it. Very authentic. Love you soul sister.
~Maya
So glad the words could reach you that way. Hugs soul sister and much love to you. 🙂
I think being “stoic” is worse in the long run. There were plenty of times I should have cried and let it out and let someone help. Some “stoic” people are really just internalizing why it really is their fault and how there is no way to change it. I’m sorry you and little Jane had to go through that. I worry for her as she grew up, even though she’s already grown. 😦
I think being stoic comes with a unique set of challenges—the internalization, and loss of hope–very true. My friend and I are still in touch. Some patterns were repeated, as is the case with many abused children. She is okay, now, though. Like all of us, doing her best to be happy, Hugs, and thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Sam