Ap·a·thy - lack of interest or concern.
Apathy is as destructive as ignoring the harmful, life-changing and ill effects of domestic violence. It is a personal and public health issue effecting individuals, families, communities, and country. I am sad that it happened in our family. I am sad that I no longer have my daughter, Shaniel, to share life with. I am sad that domestic violence is now part of my life, my family's life.
I promise to share what I have learned through this tragedy to help prevent it from happening to someone else. I promise to do my part to help educate and bring awareness to this sickness that is creeping into our homes and sweeping the country. I promise to help those who feel alone and isolated in their situations. I promise to share a message of hope and deliverance.
A week before Shaniel was killed, she called me. She was crying. She needed a hug. She felt so alone. Oh.. how I wanted to reach my arms through the phone and give her a hug. I panicked that I could not race down the street and sweep her up in my arms and sooth her aching and broken heart. I cried with her. I listened to her sobs. I told her I loved her. Oh, how I loved her. She was ready to leave her husband. He never let her. Maybe we could not have changed the tide of her tragic death, but we could have been more aware of the signs, more educated, and had a list of ready resources available to help during this critical time of decision.
Please, read the article on Domestic Violence Myths. I posted it on ShanielsStory.Blogspot.com. (link in page bar above) Or you can link to the article below.
NO MORE APATHY!
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In loving memory
Shaniel Kaye Oliver Donaldson
1980-2013
Oh, Carol. Somehow I didn't realize that your daughter was killed just last year. What a heartbreak. She is beautiful. I will be glad to meet her in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteMy father abused my mother. She taught me not to ever let a man hit me. Certainly to be gone with the first blow -be it physical, OR mental. Thank you, mom. Thank you for your work now, Carol.
Love, Maureen
Yes, she was killed just last year, in February. Her tragic death is still fresh on my mind and I miss her terribly. We started her Shaniel's Story page in her honor and help bring awareness to Domestic Violence. I never knew what a serious problem it was until it happened to us. We were not prepared for it. My daughters and I are trying to do all we can to advocated against this horrible crime.
DeleteAnd thank you so much for you love. In my prayers tonight I will let her know she has a new friend. I will be glad to meet her in heaven, too! Can't wait to see her again.
I am sorry to hear about your mother. Did she get out of her abusive situation? And, I'm glad you are safe and have a good life. Thank you Maureen. What a good friend you are!