Its Time...To Talk About It Art Project

Yesterday was an incredibly rough counseling session. Jasmine, with her counselor read my recount of the abuse. Jasmine did remember everything, and was able to really talk about it. She continues to work on writing her story, but has decided to write out a few different versions- one with ALL of the details, and one that is a bit more vague. She doesn't know how much she wants to share with everyone yet. She has talked at length about wanting to help other children, and using her story to do so, but all in good time. Honestly sharing it or not right now doesn't matter at all. What matters is that she is getting the details out, and working to know that It wasn't her fault. She doesn't need to feel ashamed, and she doesn't need to let those horrible details define her at all. We are going to print out a copy of the whole version, and she is going to rip it up into a million pieces, and burn it.  How powerful that will be for her.  Our art pieces are done, tagged and ready for the shows. Jasmine's piece blew me away. I am in complete awe of her right now. Now more than ever, I am inspired to really bring awareness to this tragic epidemic, and fight not only for my amazing child, but all of the other survivors. I REFUSE to allow my daughters innocence be taken in vain. Something good has to come out of this. It has to, because all of this anguish is to much to carry without hope that there can be light at the end of the tunnel. I will fight, the rest of my life to make sure of it, and to make sure my daughter can thrive in her life, recovered and healed. LOVED and SUPPORTED.

I am going to share some pics of our art. I hope you are touched.

Jasmine's piece "Heartbreak"  The cut out words, are what she shows the world. The words in silver are what she really feels.

Lyrics from Taylor Swifts song 'Mean'

I asked her why she made the heart purple, she said " Because whole, healthy hearts are red. In my mind, a broken and bruised heart would be purple. One day, mine will be red again."

My piece 'Anguish'  I actually took a picture of Jasmine screaming, and went off that.

Doing these art pieces, as been a very powerful experience. I am so glad we did this together. I am so very proud of Jasmine. I am completely overwhelmed by her strength right now. I cant wait to go to both the YWCA event, and Art Gallery opening night, and see Jasmine's artwork up on display, along with all of the other incredibly brave survivors who are participating.

I will be sure to post pictures from both events.