Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

I was way too young to know that that wasn’t supposed to be happening. But who would listen to a six year old anyway?

I don’t know what I thought. Maybe I thought this was his way of expressing love, or maybe I thought that it would only be that one time, but in that moment, I know it was physically hurting and I wanted it to stop.

Yet, I couldn’t speak. Equal parts of fear and pain had rendered me both speechless and immobile. I wanted to scream for help, but I didn’t think anyone would believe me.

I was so young; too young to comprehend it all. Im hindsight, the action to take was so clear- just SCREAM!

Cry out for my mother or yell to get my sisters! Kick and fight back for my life!

But I did none of that. For two years, I did nothing, paralyzed by his promise that my hell would worsen if I said anything.

My silence broke me worse than his actions. My inaction crippled me, leaving pain that I still feel 33 years later.

Eventually, I spoke up, but it was two years too late. Two years after my spirit had been broken; two years after my innocence had been taken.

If I could go back in time, I would immediately run for help. Like the sounds of a siren in the dead of the night, I would command my voice to awaken the souls of those near me!

I would fight back against his attacks and will my tiny body to overpower his. I would not fall victim to his deception and lies; I would be free!

But I can’t go back; time only moves one way in this life. Instead, I press forward daily, ensuring that I am never helpless again.

Forevermore, my voice will never be silenced, and I will make my life be heard. My action is to live and live abundantly!