Welcome to my Blog: Surviving an Abuser

The first time I was touched with an emotional feeling that I didn’t quite understand, I was 9years old. I had a neighbor friend that was a boy, and he was dark haired, brown eyed and adorable. My brother and this neighbor were playing a card game at the dining table and I was sitting next to the neighbor. They were talking and I interrupted them and he put his hand on my knee as if to say “just one moment”. I had this weird emotional feeling of respect and love at the same time. I knew he didn’t love me, its just that I felt he wanted to hear what I had to say but wanted to let me know to give them just a minute to finish their discussion.

Through out my life I have always remembered the moments of touch that have stayed in my heart.

When I was a teenager and dating my now ex-husband, we had broken up and my dad just gave me a big hug and didn’t say a word, he just held me till I felt better and was able to go on about my day. When I had found out I was pregnant, my dad just walked over and hugged me tightly and said everything will be ok.

Once during a terrible evening with my ex-husband and he had stormed out of the house, my middle son who was 5 at the time, walked up to me, put his arms around me and hugged me for a few minutes, then looked at me and said “you good?” And yes I was good, it was the sweetest thing ever.

With my current husband I remember distinctly one evening when we were dating and I had to leave to go to work for 3rd shift. I was feeling emotional and he put his hands on my face and told me he loved me and he will come by after work the next day. I loved that moment and it gave me such a feeling of love and comfort.

My brother gives amazing hugs, he squeezes you so tight as if to never let you go. Even my grandkids say how much their great uncles hugs are! 

Not all hugs and touches are the same, but some just simply stay with you for a lifetime.

Touch is such an uplifting and emotional moment for so many people, and for others its is a sign of respect and friendship. 

Just a quick touch on the shoulder, the arm, the knee, and even a hug, can be an important and uplifting moment.

So when you are feeling the need to give someone a quick touch, do it, you will never know how you may have changed that persons day.

Elizabeth Damons 7/28/2021