I was about seven years old when I was first sexually abused by our neighbour’s son. I was totally shocked and terrified by what he did. My innocence was stolen and fear entered my heart. He told me that I couldn’t tell my parents and because I was afraid of him, I didn’t. When I was 10, a young couple stayed in our home because they had nowhere else to live at the ti....
I grew up in a quiet, suburban street in Melbourne, Australia with my three siblings. We enjoyed a carefree, typical childhood; filled with days spent playing outside having tea parties, running through the sprinkler on a hot summer’s day and riding down the street on a hand built billy cart. My life was innocent, adventurous and fun. When I was only six and half years old ho....
Happy 22nd Birthday from the older and wiser – and I believe improved – version of yourself. (Think of me as a young aunt whose clothes you want to borrow.) The old adage “hindsight is 20/20” is of absolutely no help after the fact, so I’m here to give you a glimpse of what’s ahead and some hints on how to successfully navigate it. The mere fact that I am writing to....
I will never forget that morning in November. The previous night after working night & day for weeks, I had finally finished my last essay to complete my Masters. I was exhausted & relieved. While my husband was on a client call in our office at home, I was having a cup of tea when my phone rang. It was my specialist doctor who I had seen on an unrelated issue weeks ago....
In 2011 life in Syria was good. My husband Johnny had a thriving business that provided us with a comfortable life and I loved caring for our children Joseph (9) and Wendy (5). As a family we enjoyed going out for dinner or to a movie and spending time with our friends, neighbours and large extended family. Although we lived in a predominantly Christian area of Aleppo we had go....
