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She just about saved my life! I am known as one for the dramatics but this time I’m finally serious!
Jessica came into my whirlwind life, held my hands and she told me that I wasn’t alone…
I was quite a bit younger although I’m not too sure of the number, when I was lying in my bed, crying my poor heart out and in the spur of the moment, I typed in “self help” on Facebook, I remember it as clear as if it was yesterday.That’s when her bright little face came up! I started talking to her and I probably told her my entire life in one blow! (Sorry about that!) I was abused, physically, sexually and emotionally by the closest people in my life, I was hospitalised by the same people that held my hand when I first came into this world. I had been surrounded by lies, I saw others abused and when I spoke out for this other poor soul,I was sat down and shouted at for being “crazy” I had truly lost faith in anything being good in the world.And then I saw her image, that little cartoon face of hers on the Facebook page!
She told me that I was okay, that I wasn’t alone, she taught me that you can survive all of these very nasty things in the world and you can still find beauty anywhere if you just try. For the first time in my life I actually had someone who listened to me, who believed me! She once said that I reminded her of herself when she was younger, and that has stayed with me to this day. Whenever I start to think about the bad things that have happened, I stop and I think about Jess, and where she is from where she came from and it really grounds me.
I have a completely different life now, I left my family, I lived in a hostel for a while when I left, and I met the love of my life, who, just like Jess, he made me see the beauty in every day.
I still have some problems, I struggle with the effects of ptsd but my partner, and my dog help me through those tough spots.
Thanks to that one chance, that quick Facebook search. I didn’t take my own life that night, I didn’t stop fighting the abuse, I didn’t stop – and I still haven’t – and I never will. I cannot thank you enough Jessica, you helped me no matter what silly mistakes I made and you put confidence in me and I’ll never forget that.
– Jessica (Bromborough,UK)
Let’s get her the visibility she needs for her work!!
– Amber (Denver,USA)
– Vanessa (California,USA)
– Dom (Leeds,UK)
– Katie (Haxby,UK)
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Never has there been a truer quote.
– Beccy (Ripon,UK)
As a fellow survivor, I believe that strength comes from family. No, not that family that abused her, the family of 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys who are sexually assaulted by the time they turn 18. We have a connection that is deep, that not everyone can “understand” how we feel and we know the hurt behind the smile that is flashed in public.
The Littlest Lady gains more strength with each blog post, Facebook status, Google+ update and face-to-face conversation she has about her abuse. Getting this crap abuse, out in the open is a purifying technique.
I see great things in Jessica’s life and I am super excited to know her and to be part of her new family. xoxo Doug from dugslife.com
– Doug (Arkansas,USA)
– Emma (Georgia,USA)
– Jenna (Ohio,USA)
– Baz (London,UK)
The fact that you’ve not only made it through the hard times, but are also being a shining beacon of hope to others is an inspiration. You’re an incredible person, without a doubt one of the strongest people I know. I’m so proud of the person you’ve become and that you help everyone so selflessly. I have the up most faith that you’ll help people find their voice.
– Daniel (Darlington,UK)
I am guilty of being hateful and bitter at times because of my abuse,but you’re an inspiration to not be like that and that its not worth it.
Thank you for being a guide to my life. Your really are an inspiration.
– Lauren (London,UK)
– Aggie (Poznan,POLAND)
– Mike (Denver,USA)
–Anonymous (California,USA)
– Danie (Buffalo New York ,USA)
Ahh Jess, you story makes my own journey worth it! Seeing the success of others, albeit in different circumstance, overcome such monumentally difficult adversity, its truly heart warming, and the emotion you inspire with you written word is exceptional.Your journey has come so far and you have learnt so much about yourself that I only began to realise about mysef now at 34 years. Never stop doing what makes you happy, continue to take pride in your loves! I love how freely you want to share your happiness and lessons. I do just want to find you one day in this world and give you a massive hug.
I keep realising the people like you who quietly tell their stories and share their compassion are the true road to recovery. Your CBT therapist sounds like one of those people also. I was lucky enough to have 2 years of psychotherapy and met one of those people. These are the people that save peoples lives when nobody else can see they need saving.
I have so many words I could share about how much you have helped inspire me since reading your work only recently. The most important I think would be this;
Thank you
– Jemima (Comment – The OCD Stories article)