A Hilltop Domestic Violence Services client sent a very special “Thank You” to her case worker, Shelly Fellin. She presented Shelly with a beautiful piece of art and the following poem that expresses what she was going through, and how much she appreciated Shelly’s support. What a great reminder of the impact we all have on the lives of those we serve.
I thought I wanted to be like a rock, but they can break too. The new pieces may be strong, but they can break too.
Someday I would like to be like a rock – hard and strong. Even it breaks, the pieces go on.
It takes a lot to break a rock – unless it’s sandstone.
It’s unlike glass that breaks and shatters then cannot take its shape again and be functional.
I feel like a glass bottle that shattered. No one took care of me. The bottle was in the shape of a heart that loved and trusted one person.
Once I thought I was whole like the bottle. Then one person shattered me into a million pieces. Broke my heart, lost my trust.
I am the bottle that shattered into so many pieces that can’t be found – can’t be put back together again.
So I pick up what pieces I can find and put together a new puzzle. I fill in the pieces with new found tools and knowledge I am getting some power!
I am like so many women who pass thru these doors, shattered, broken, hurt, confused and frightened.
One woman grabbed me, took me aside, looked me in the eye and told me the truth. Was patient and kind, taught me/gave me tools, knowledge to understand what happened to me, so I can never let it happen again. She encourages me always and has empathy, sympathy. Shelly has never given up on me!
It’s OK for me to tell Shelly how I feel-she acknowledges my feelings. I will emerge from my past life/experiences a new person. A better person. Still a loving, caring compassionate woman, at peace.
Thank you for standing by my side Shelly. I made this 1 ½ years ago. My first attempt at creativity after I left everything of my previous life. I cried and cried while making this over many weeks. I had to force myself to do this. It helped me heal. You are forever in my heart and prayers.
