There's been more and more publicity being given to sexual abuse.  Recently, Oprah had those 200 men on her show (in the audience) and many local News stations have been reporting on it.  It's great to see. 
And with all the publicity, naturally people are coming forward about the abuses they suffered as children.

I received a call from Randy about a man who contacted It Happens to Boys because he saw the story on TV last week about one of our members.  He needed someone to talk to.  So Randy spoke with him and then asked me if I could call him to follow up.  Most of these men that come forward have never told anyone.  It's a big step.  But like I've said many times before, I believe that the more it is talked about, the more people will feel safe to come out and talk about their abuses.  In my opinion, it's a step in the right direction. It's really the first step toward healing.

And then I was at work this morning early and a gentleman approached me.  He was waiting for someone and he started talking to me about his grandchildren.  He shared with me that he helps take care of them and takes them to/from school each day.
Suddenly out of nowhere he starts to share with me that he had to turn his brother in for molesting several children.  He told me that his brother received an 82 year sentence for abusing several children.  He stated that he would probably die in prison. 

I showed him the rubber bracelet I wear representing "Prevent child abuse".  And I thanked him for sharing the story with me and for turning his brother in to the authorities.  He was proud of his efforts, but at the same time he seemed saddened by it all. So, I asked him about that.  He explained that he wasn't sad for his brother, but rather for the numerous children his brother harmed.

I then told him that there are several organizations that are available for these young victims.  And I gave him a couple websites he can visit to get more information and gave him my phone number should he want to talk some more.

That's what we need to do for each other on this planet.  We are really all connected and are here to be of service to one another.

I only wish that one of the adults at Mater Dei High School would have had the courage to stand up for me as this man did for these young girls.  In my eyes (I doubt he'd accept it) he is a hero.  He did the right thing.

It's great to know that there are folks like him in our society.  Not willing to look the other way.

Therefore, I am grateful that we are talking about this subject in the media and creating a chain reaction. Whether it's the grown man who called to talk about his abuse or the man who was willing to confront his own pedophile brother; it's seems to be working...

Namaste!

David :)