To The Women Of Laurel House

Thursday May 17, 2012

Hotline: 1.800.642.3150

We come here damaged and hollow inside

We no longer have strength or a sense of pride

We may even blame ourselves for being this way

It is hard to live on for yet another day

The first few days may really seem like hell

Until you meet others with a story to tell

About how they were beaten, hurt and abused

Some still wearing scars that they did not choose

You should be proud because you had the strength to leave

At least know you will have time to grieve

Starting over can be scary, I know this is true

But no one has the right to put their hand on you

Now you are free to live a wonderful life

Without all the pain, name calling and strife

He took away your pride but you still have your soul

And someday your success story will too be told

When I first came here I was broken and weak

I felt ashamed and stupid, sad and meek

I didn't think I could make it another day

But then I remembered the words he would say

He said I could not make it without him by my side

But then he would hit me and laugh when I cried

I was so confused when I first made the call

But after only three weeks, I am now standing tall

Now I feel much stronger and ready to start anew

Being at Laurel House helped me and it will help you too

The staff here is amazing and they really do care

They also have success stories to share

When you talk, they will listen and hear what you say

When you cry, they will hug you and wipe your tears away

Life is not always fair, it's not meant to be

But it does get better one day you will see

So former victims hold your heads up high

And you too will see a rainbow in the sky.

* written by a former resident in our shelter

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