A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother's Watch ♡ Memoir/Poetry & More
And when he gets to Heaven, Saint Peter he will tell…
“Just another Soldier reporting Sir, I’ve served my time in hell”
They came, they saw, they fought a war…
We cried, we learned, we pray forever more.
We Don’t Know Them, But We Owe Them.
#MemorialDay #memorialdayweekend Wishing everyone a safe and grateful weekend ⚘
Going from victim, to statistic, to survivor may have taken nearly 40 years to get too… but I have no more unanswered questions, doubt, shame, secrets or silence to carry anymore. From my book Survivor’s Mind, here is a poem that describes myself going from a hand written book to a published two-part memoir…
Once upon a staircase
A giant step I made
Looking up to struggles
Down a waterfall cascade.
Another step is taken
A giant leap I take
All the different stages
With every step I make.
Once upon a staircase
Another step I took
Growing through the pages
Of a written journal book.
Inked in footprints
Left behind by stain
If I keep going
Only a few steps remain.
Once upon a staircase
I looked up the last time
A cascade of courage
In taking the last climb.
I took the final steps
A fear I had to face
I finally got there
Once upon a staircase.
Wishing everyone a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead 🦋
Part Two of my memoir will be out in just a few weeks. Part One is now available…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
#mustread #shocking #truecrime
Today I recieved appreciation from http://www.thebespokediaries.com and my publisher informing me that part 2 of my memoir is being formatted today.
Forty-four years of shame, secrets and silence… Finally Being Told.
Part Two 1982-2019 coming in a few weeks.
Part One 1975-1982 is now available….
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Wishing everyone a marvelous Monday ahead 🌻
Be sure to check out my social media and author websites
My Social Media Accounts…
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
https://httpsshatterthesilencemainecoposts2158490.wordpress.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175
https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692 https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Pinterest.com/Irishgirl692
My Author Accounts…
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21301506.Catherine_Mellen
https://allauthor.com/author/irishgirl692/
https://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Mellen/e/B08W9LLPFN?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000
My Books…
A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: Part One 1975-1982…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161 https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
A Life Given To Me: Part Two 1982-2019 will be available in June 2022
Survivor’s Mind: When Childhood Trauma and Poetry Collide…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Mind-Childhood-Trauma-Collide/dp/B08ZBMR2MR
Christmas in Poetry Land…
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Poetry-Land-Catherine-Mellen/dp/1097313468
All my love, your host & friend, Catherine Mellen aka Irishgirl692 🍀
I may not have had a mother, but I was blessed with love from so many other moms… That it made not having that one mom, so much better knowing I was blessed with so much more.
I’m hurt but I’m not cruel. I feel pain but I still love. I am nothing like my birth mother but I am everything she wasn’t.
A Birth Mother
How can a mother not even bother
A child is being abused?
Her cruel words came in chords
Always left me confused.
Life would derail if he went to jail
So his secret she kept
All the abuse was an excuse
Her reasoning to accept.
Her nasty ways shamed my days
Her hands stayed out of reach.
Ignored my cries, she told her lies
No lessons did she teach.
With every attack protection did lack
It was like she didn’t care
Lasting results, broken adults
A childhood left in despair.
Losing the count of the amount
Children she did not raise
Being none other than a birth mother
Are words I’ll always praise.
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/posts/a-birth-mother
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. From a twenty-seven year career as a cook to a published Author, Poet & Blogger… Let your beauty shine bright and never allow anyone to dim your sparkle.
I lived nearly three decades under the clouds of shame, secrets and silence. At age fifteen, I attempted to walk into my hometown police department. At age forty-eight, I completed that walk. The stepping stones I used to build the strength, courage and determination to tell my story and my forty-four year journey from victim, to statistic, to survivor is told in my two-part memoir.
I never thought I’d tell my story. I never thought I’d finish that walk. Never give up on your dreams, because they won’t give up on you.
The horrifying truth behind child rape, torture, family secrets and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored…
A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts is available now
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
My childhood tragedy was over, but the emotional, mental and psychological abuse from my own family, was only beginning…
A Life Given To Me: Part Two 1982-2019 Lowell Massachusetts
Coming in June
My Social Media Accounts…
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
https://httpsshatterthesilencemainecoposts2158490.wordpress.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175
https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692
My Author Accounts…
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21301506.Catherine_Mellen
https://allauthor.com/author/irishgirl692/
Isn’t it funny?? My body fought for me, my self being and my self worth for many years. I No longer live in Shame, Secrets or Silence (Deserving happy dance included) I posted this 5 years ago and it is true…. Never forget the things that make you feel real ⚘ #WisdomWednesday
Why Two Names?
Many people have questioned me, “Why are you using two names for a two-part memoir?” I do understand why this would confuse people since it is a memoir and not a series, so to speak. I guess that answer is in my handwritten journals from the 1980s…
‘I lived a childhood tragedy and it was all under a mother’s watch.’
I wrote those words in my journal and from that day forward, I always said if I was to write my life story, then I would call it A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch.
After that journal filled up, I started another one. The very first line in that journal reads…
‘I’m about to fill these pages with words of a life given to me.’
Eight journals later, I found myself at age forty-five writing my life story and a whopping 245,000 words later, I was finished.
That was when I began taking advice from so many who have supported me with their empathy, kindness and experience in publishing a book. Advice, at times, I dreaded hearing, but also advice I accepted without hesitation. Even the advice that stated:
‘I highly recommend you splitting your book into two parts.’
I remember staring at that comment in my email and feeling like I was looking down a long and winding rabbit hole. But I gave in, I turned my memoir into two parts and the two names I once wrote in my handwritten journals.
A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts
and
A Life Given To Me: Part Two 1982-2019 Lowell Massachusetts
Part two picks up where part one left off; standing on the sidewalk looking back at the front door I was not welcomed in. And though my childhood tragedy was over, the mental, emotional and psychological abuse from my own family was only beginning.
A forty-four year journey of living as a statistic in a world full of abused children who were growing up. From victim to survivor, my life story is an open book for the world to read.
May we one day, end the shame, silence and secrets that follows the lifetime of a child who suffers through childhood trauma and family secrets.
Part One is now available…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Part Two is coming in two short months
If you like poetry…
My poetic memoir, Survivor’s Mind: When Childhood Trauma and Poetry Collide is a window into the world of childhood trauma, family secrets and inside the mind of a survivor… Poetically Written and is available…
https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Mind-Childhood-Trauma-Collide/dp/B08ZBMR2MR
Christmas in Poetry Land is a collection of festive poems that are sure to delight your holiday season for years to come.
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Poetry-Land-Catherine-Mellen/dp/1097313468
So, that is where the two names for my memoir came from… From words I wrote decades ago, in a journal.
Thank you for reading me. Peace and Blessings to all.
Your host and friend, Catherine Mellen aka Irishgirl692
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
https://httpsshatterthesilencemainecoposts2158490.wordpress.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175
https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Pinterest.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21301506.Catherine_Mellen
I turned my shame, secrets and silence into stepping stones of strength, courage and the right to be heard.
My childhood tragedy was over but the mental, emotional and psychological abuse from my own family was only beginning. Part Two coming in June.
Part One now available:
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Read about my life but don’t have any pity, I am a strong Irish girl from an all American City
Survivor’s Mind: When Childhood Trauma and Poetry Collide
A window into the world of childhood trauma, family secrets and inside the mind of a survivor … Poetically Written ♡ #poetic #memoir
https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Mind-Childhood-Trauma-Collide/dp/B08ZBMR2MR
The horrifying story behind the poetry: Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Part Two 1982-2019 coming in June 2022
The horrifying truth behind child rape, torture, family secrets, a forty year trail of unsolved murders and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored #Shocking #truecrime
Complex regional pain syndrome
I was only two weeks into being forty-five years old and I was on my way home from work. It was the start of a new year, January 2, 2015.
I had returned to work one day a week back in the summer of 2014. I was nervous about returning to work after being out of work for almost five years taking care of my daughter. But it was my daughter’s eagerness to recover, be independent and live her life, that got me back into the workforce. It also helped that I was returning to my job at the Four Sisters Owl Diner where I had their support and encouragement throughout my transition back to work.
A Friday after work, just like it was back in 2009; a Friday after work. My life had changed so much since 2009; my oldest daughter had her own apartment, my son was now living with his father and my youngest daughter was going to be roommates with her oldest sister. And there I was in my own one bedroom apartment.
My kids really grew up since my daughter’s accident in 2009 and I guess I also did.
After work on January 2, 2015, I stopped at my daughter’s who was outside hanging with her friend’s. We talked for a bit before I headed out of her parking lot and onto Bridge Street.
As I drove over the Bridge Street bridge, I got stuck at the red light. It was a long light as it was at a major roadway intersection. I watched the cars, I watched the lights changing until finally looking out my driver’s side window over the bridge.
I remember thinking how beautiful the sky looked and then I was looking up at my steering wheel. My head banged or something made my eyes open as I saw my steering wheel in a foggy like state. As my eyes started to close I quickly went into panic mode. Why was I looking up at my steering wheel?
I felt my feet were sideways and not on the brake pedal. I quickly tried pulling myself up when I was thrown above my steering wheel and just as quickly snapped back. The over strap of my seat belt was ripped off me but the strap around my waist is what snapped me back onto my seat. The headband I had on my head was on the passenger side floor along with my phone which I kept on my drivers side door.
I looked ahead and saw the SUV in front of me was now on top of the front end of my car. People came up to my window telling me not to move. (I actually thought the bridge was falling) They were pointing to the back of my car and yelling, “He’s moving his jeep off your car.”
Uhhhhhh? I must have looked so confused as I looked in my crooked rear view mirror. All I could see was the front of a black jeep as my car bounced and banged. Shaking me as I held onto my steering wheel.
Before I knew it, I was surrounded by police, emergency medical technicians and onlookers. That was when I turned around and saw RT 110 over the bridge where my daughter’s accident happened just five years earlier. And I panicked, I had a panic attack thinking I was at my daughter’s accident scene.
My car was totaled and I was in a lot of pain. After X-Rays, MRI, Catsscan, surgeon and a therapist, I was referred to a pain doctor. I never imagined how many needles can go into one persons head and neck in one lifetime. But I am living proof that anything is possible.
I felt like my cervical spine was on fire
I felt the back of my head was shattering into cracks
I felt like a hole was in the back of my neck
I felt like I had lumps in my neck and head
I felt sharp pains
I felt throbs, spasms, electric shocks and pain.
I was unable to work, unable to drive, unable to move fast, turn my head to the left or be happy.
Along with all the pain associated to my accident, I was also dealing with horrifying repressed memories.
After one round of cortisone shots and no relief at all, my pain doctor scheduled me for a branch block.
A painful procedure I had to be awake for.
A branch block only blocks the nerve which is causing the pain. My first branch block was on eight nerves… that was eight long hot pronged needles in my neck area.
Because there was some relief, I was then scheduled a radio-frequency where the procedure is the same as a branch block, but instead of blocking the nerve, a radio-frequency burns the nerve right off.
Only problem, nerves grow back.
I was told the accident left me with a 10% loss of sensation in the back of my neck, I suffered multiple damaged facet joints, irreversible ligament, tendons, muscle and nerve damage
I suffered injuries which resulted in vertigo, tinnitus, dystonia, occipital neuralgia until finally being diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome.
It took over two years but my pain doctor figured it out and diagnosed me. I suffer from CRPS. Ok so now, what is the cure?
There is no cure.
Wait? What? No cure? How can this be? I am in intense pain. So what do I do? My pain doctor has me on daily nerve medication, Tylenol and prescribed Motrin. He also has me in for radio-frequencies, branch blocks for above my C-2 area and Dysport injections every ninety days.
The only other option aside from all the needles in my neck and head was to take daily opioids and narcotics that would only be upgraded as I became more dependent on them. It was easier to agree to the needles than to agree on becoming addicted to narcotics.
So I have been diagnosed, I receive ongoing care with my pain doctor… But what now? How has living with CRPS affected my daily life?
It starts the minute I wake up until I go to bed and even waking me throughout my sleep. I haven’t slept more than five hours at a time since my accident.
I hurt in my head, the top of my skull, the hole in the back of my neck and the lump on the side of my neck.
The rotated cervical spine flares up, the Dystonia is like irish tap dancers are in my neck. The occipital neuralgia is like vertigo meets nausea meets tinnitus.
The dead arm, lack of strength and pain, so much pain. Like a twisted neck and a migraine having a bonfire in my neck.
My doctor explained to me how he could not help me with my injuries or pain…. All he could do was help me live through the injuries and pain.
And that’s what I do… I walk slow, I move slow. I barely bend down, I manage my vertigo along with my head and neck injuries.
I make sure I take it easy, I rest when needed and I don’t do things to ignite flare up.
Sometimes the hole in my neck will form a lump and causing me to be very discomfort in pain.
Some days I just squeeze my head, begging it to go away… but it never does.
So what is CRPS? It is the most painful medical condition known to man with a 45/50 on the McGill pain scale.
Type 1 is known as RSD Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and does not involve an apparent lesion on a nerve.
Type 2 is known as CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome with a known lesion is present.
Both types of RSD/CRPS are caused by trauma to the nerves in regards to injuries, surgery, heart attacks and strokes.
Even with todays medical technology, there is no cure for this painful condition.
It is so painful it is hard to find good doctors to treat this condition.
CRPS has a grim nickname known as the, ‘Suicide disease.’ Some patients who are desperate to halt their pain, end their life.
It is one of many tragic aspects that accompanies RSD/CRPS.
Of course I had to go all out and be diagnosed with Type 2 😓 Fewer than 200,000 cases per year have been reported and I am one of those cases.
I am a continued case study for my pain doctor as he tries to find better measures for me to live in a less pain as possible.
I have since forgave the man who used my car as his brakes. His careless driving has affected my life in ways I am sure he has no clue about.
I no longer work, drive, run, walk fast, play hopscotch with my granddaughter. I no longer have a social life and I no longer live a physical pain free life.
I always lived with emotional pain, I’ve carried it with me throughout my life, only now I carry physical pain in my head and neck, like I did when that monster from my childhood would poke, squeeze and punch me in my head and neck.
Now over seven years since my accident, my pain doctor continues to see me on a regular basis and keeping me away from opioids and narcotics as he continues to find ways to improve my daily living in a more comfortable way.
I wouldn’t wish this diagnosis on anyone, just like I wouldn’t wish my childhood or the caring loving safe family I never had on anyone.
I am now a young fifty year old legally disabled collecting social security disability benefits. It was not my plan in life but most things in my life were never planned.
They say we are only given what we can handle. They say we only get what we deserve. They say karma is why.
It is none of the above…
My childhood was because of my birth mother and her monster of a boyfriend. My car accident was because an idiot driver wasn’t paying attention.
My strength to get through, get by or move on is because of my faith in God, my faith in the angels I have above me and the good people in my life.
Aside from all the other heartache in my life, I also deal with complex regional pain syndrome. But like everything else in my life, I got this, one day at a time, but I got this ♡
This Monday, March 7th, I will have my 26th round of Dysport injections and on Tuesday, March 8th, I will undergo my 24th radio-frequency (Gulp) Just how many needles can go into one girl’s cervical spine in a lifetime?… Stay Tuned 🖤
Thank You for reading me.
I wish nothing but Peace and Blessings to all ♡
Your host and friend… Catherine Mellen (aka Irishgirl692)
My Social Media Links…
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
https://httpsshatterthesilencemainecoposts2158490.wordpress.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175
https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Pinterest.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21301506.Catherine_Mellen
https://allauthor.com/author/irishgirl692/
The Ink Pot by H. M. Mills
1 Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Add some fun facts.
I am a mom to three children who grew up way too fast and a grammy to two granddaughters. I’ve never seen a baby picture of myself, but I think my youngest granddaughter is a mini-me.
2. When did you start writing?
I was fourteen when I wrote my first poem and eighteen when I began writing my life story.
3. Some authors write under a pseudonym, what name do you write under?
I use my own name, except Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest, I use Irishgirl692
4. What genre/s do you write in?
Poetry, Non-fiction, Short Stories
5. How many books have you written and how many are published?
I have 12 written books, 3 are published and a 4th one will be out in June 2022, with others to follow.
6. What are the titles of the books you have published?
Christmas in Poetry Land
Survivor’s Mind: When Childhood Trauma and Poetry Collide
A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts.
7. What inspired your stories?
The first poem I wrote was about a bird escaping abuse (I was the bird) I guess my longing to be heard by the same people who only wanted me to stay silent.
8. Can you tell us a bit about each of your books?
Christmas in Poetry Land is a collection of over thirty holiday themed poems. From lazy elves, an ugly sweater party, a Mistletoe Kiss to a Santa sleigh ride, Anti-bullying Rudolph & more.
Survivor’s Mind is a poetic memoir into the world of childhood trauma, family secrets and inside the mind of a survivor. Poetically written.
A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts is the story behind the poetry and the horrifying truth behind child rape, torture, family secrets and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored.
A Life Given To Me: Part Two 1982-2019 Lowell Massachusetts is my continuing life story of growing up a statistic in a world full of abused children. Shame, silence, secrets, reconnections, distances, repressed memories, unsolved murders and a girl who just wanted to be heard. Coming June 2022
9. What are you working on right now?
I am currently editing my 2023 releases, Understanding Childhood Trauma, Do You Understand It Now? Christmas Stories in Poetry Land and American Dream: Tales of a Poet.
10. Do you have a routine you like to go through before you start writing? If so, tell us about it.
Not really, it seems every time I go in routine, life goes and messes it up 🙃
11. What kind of writing process do you go through?
I don’t let myself stress over it. I take my time and edit it multiple upon multiple times.
12. What comes first for you, the plot, or the characters?
In my memoir, they both came first. In my short stories, it is definitely the plot.
13. How do you keep your plot straight?
When I find myself confused in my own plot, I take a day or two before diving back into it.
14. What is your favourite part of writing and why?
Writing has always been my saving grace and there were times when it was also my best friend. I do find serenity in writing,
15. Which of your characters do you relate to the most and why?
For over thirty years, I never really thought of the girl in my memories, but since writing my memoir, I can finally relate to what it felt like to be me when I was a child.
16. Have you ever modelled a character on someone you know? If so, did they ever find out? And how did they or would they react?
My short story collection 33 Cases of Karma is still in the revising stages, but many of the characters are based on people I know, including me. Many will laugh and the others probably wouldn’t have a clue lol
17. Are any of your characters modelled after yourself? If so, did you find any part of writing them therapeutic?
Writing my memoir was extremely hard, but knowing I am being heard, I am no longer a secret, that is extremely therapeutic for me.
18. If you were to write a spin off from one of your books, which book and character would it be about? And why?
My 2024 release of Promise Made, Promise Kept would be the book and the spin off would be about my character Jon coming back to life. Because I miss him ♡
19. What part of writing your book was the hardest? Tell us why?
Part One of my memoir A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch was the most hardest book I will ever write in my life.
20. What part of your book was the most fun to write and why?
Despite all the horror from my childhood, I did enjoy writing about my teenage years and the stepping stones to my strength and courage.
21. What is your favourite and least favourite part of publishing?
Favorite part is reading people’s reviews and words of encouragement. Least favourite is knowing I’m not in Amazon’s top ten yet.
22. Have you ever had writers block?
I think we all suffer from that sometimes, mine also spreads to laundry block, cook diner block and so on.
23. What to you are the most important elements of good writing?
Giving it your best. Sit in front of that type writer and write until you bleed.
24. How do you use social media as an author?
My main blog is through MightyNetworks, I then share my works on WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Allauthor and Amazon Central
25. What advice would you give to help a new writer?
Don’t give up. It takes a lot of work, but eventually you will get there.
26. Add all the links of where we can find you to follow and purchase your books.
Social Media…
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
https://httpsshatterthesilencemainecoposts2158490.wordpress.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175
https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21301506.Catherine_Mellen
https://allauthor.com/author/irishgirl692/
My Books…
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Thank you Hayley and all behind the scenes. I appreciate this opportunity to share my story, poetry and more.
All my love,
Catherine Mellen
Thank you so much for participating in the Ink Pot’s author spotlight. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know more about you and your work. I wish you every success for the future.
Hayley Mills (The Ink Pot)
H. M. Mills
😇🖤😈
Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again.
Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping.
And the vision that was planted in my brain, still remains.
Within the sound of silence.
A song driven to give companion to the voices in one’s head.
A darkness we try to forget, put behind us and move on from until suddenly… Hello darkness my old friend.
It comes with the silence, then the anger, followed by resentment only to end with, “What did I do to deserve this?” Why did I have to hurt in silence? Why did I have to live in darkness? Why did I have to suffer, deal, move on, forget or put it behind me, alone?
I believed it was what I was suppose to do.
Society, family and friends… It was the way of the times in the 1980s and 1990s. I needed proof and I wasn’t enough proof because they wanted more proof.
My birth mother and two older siblings were my proof. But they were sick of me bringing it up.
I sat with darkness my old friend for too long.
I stood my ground, saw some light and I distanced myself to save myself.
But now what? As positive as I tried to live there were always many, many times when I found myself stuck in an emotion and I held it in as long as I could, but he always paid me a visit…
Hello darkness my old friend.
I would get so mad at myself for remembering, for hurting and for crying over the same damn thing over and over again… My Damn Childhood.
But it was my darkness that helped me see it was so much more than just my childhood.
With the help of darkness my old friend…
I was able to see how I deserved to be treated.
I was able to see I deserved acknowledgement.
I was able to see I deserved to be heard.
I was able to see I could keep my darkness as my old friend.
Many mornings, days and nights, darkness was my only friend.
Until one day, in my late forties my old friend darkness became my bright light.
Through my darkness I found strength, I found courage and I found support from everyone except the ones who didn’t care I lived in darkness for all those years. They only cared I lived in silence.
I learned a lot on my own and learning to welcome my darkness was a tough lesson I had to learn.
It was one too many trick questions, a sound, an image, a trigger… I cried and cried as I sat with my darkness until I made my darkness my old friend.
When my darkness now visits, I let the tears fall instead of getting mad at myself for crying.
I remind myself, ‘It’s ok to cry.’
I remind myself, ‘They treated me wrong.’
I remind myself, ‘My God, I’m only human.’
And suddenly darkness became my old friend.
Throughout life we are all subject to darkness. We lose loved ones to death, we struggle to belong, we fight to survive, we hope, pray and wish everyday.
Adding depression, PTSD, C-PTSD and any form of mental health to the already heavy plate life throws at us can make anyone’s darkness seem like the enemy. But you are not sitting with an enemy, you’re sitting with your darkness.
Sometimes your darkness is the friend that helps you see the light.
And if there is no light, that’s ok… Sitting with your darkness can always be the oldest friend you have, but also the most honest one ♡
Thank You for reading me and be sure to catch…Hello darkness my old friend (Sound Of Silence) by Simon and Garfunkel or my favorite by Disturbed
Peace and Blessings to all ♡
Please feel free to stalk my social media accounts at …
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
https://httpsshatterthesilencemainecoposts2158490.wordpress.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175
https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Pinterest.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21301506.Catherine_Mellen
Posted byMarie SinadjanPosted inAuthorsTags:Authors
Meet Catherine Mellen, author of A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts.
Happy Friday, bookish friends! For today’s #FebruarySheWrote spotlight I have another guest author from the Feed My Reads community: American poet, author and blogger Catherine Mellen. Born in 1969 in Lowell Massachusetts, she wrote her first poem at age fourteen and quickly adapted her love for words. Shamed by the childhood she lived, she became a cook and caterer for nearly three decades. An auto accident at age 45 left her disabled and a victim to horrifying repressed memories, then in 2018 she started a blog where she shattered her silence on childhood trauma, family secrets and unsolved murders in her hometown.
Her poetry has been published in numerous poetry journals, and she is also the author of Christmas in Poetry Land, Survivor’s Mind, and A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts.
I decided to self publish two of my poetry books back in 2021 as the Coronavirus put a stall on querying to agents.
I began querying back in 2016 and though I received rejection letters, they were also filled with advice and opinions that I gladly took. As much work we put into our writing, the revising and editing is a must do, no matter how much we dread it.
My most unforgettable experience was when I received a full manuscript request for my poetry book and by accident I sent the file for part one of my memoir, which mortified the beta-reader.
I hope I inspire others to know they do not have to live in shame, secrets or silence. At times, I inspire myself for having the courage in telling my story in such graphic detail.
I would love to be Snow White from Once Upon A Time because she is a bad ass character.
I would say an elephant. They stick by family, love their offspring and don’t let anyone walk all over them.
I was a cook for 27 years until a drunk driver left me disabled back in 2015.
My weakness was accepting the truth about my birth family. Who wants to remember the caring, safe, loving family you never had? As life proved, for nearly 30 years, I didn’t.
Part Two of my memoir will be out in June 2022 and I will be adding many more books to my collection of published works.
I would also like to thank all at Feed My Reeds for their over abundance of work they do behind the scenes. Thank you all for your support, I truly appreciate it.
Purchase Link • Purchase Link (paperback) • Purchase Link (ebook) • Author Website • WordPress • LinkedIn • Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest • Goodreads • AllAuthor
A true story chronicling the young life of Catherine Alice Mellen and the mother who harbored a monster. A graphic, in-depth detailed look into the daily life of childhood trauma, family secrets and a young girl who just wanted the abuse to stop.
Catherine was five years old when she was subjected to a horrifying evil as fear instilled her every day life. Being a trophy in a child predators sick world, she turned to a mother who turned her away, she looked up to brothers who looked the other way. She pleaded for help, begged to be protected and assumed it was love. It wasn’t long until Catherine’s mother turned her excuses for her boyfriend into hate for her own daughter. A childhood full of inhumane sexual abuse, torture and cruelty would all end with the completion of a well dug out tunnel inside the cellar wall. Knowing she would be silenced for good, Catherine’s desire to live and not be abused anymore would be decided in a split second decision she made as an eleven year old. Would her family be there for her or would she just disappear from the home? This is a true story of one child’s desperation for survival.
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It’s feeling your ribs slam against the bandaged torn sealed scars of your heart as you gasp for a breath that is really a knife, slicing the pain wide open~ A Repressed Memory Reality
Survivor’s Mind: When Childhood Trauma and Poetry Collide… #poetic #memoir
https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Mind-Childhood-Trauma-Collide/dp/B08ZBMR2MR
A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch: The horrifying story behind the poetry… #shocking #truecrime
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Part Two: A Life Given To Me 1982-2019 is coming in June 2022
Childhood Abuse, Family Secrets, Unsolved Murders and the Monstrous Predator My Birth Mother Harbored..
‘This is in memory of my high school mentor, Fr William Joseph Dowling of Kilburn, and in salute of the power behind this book by Catherine Mellen’ ~ Jack Oswald
A powerful, supportive and beautiful mockup banner by Jack Oswald #grateful #blessed and #thankful
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Part Two 1982-2019 coming June 2022
💧Brand New Teardrop💧
Brand new little teardrop
Running down my cheek
Sorry you must visit
In my pains highest peak.
Although I feel a comfort
That you would feel my pain
A tiny little teardrop
Falling down like rain.
Back again my tiny teardrop
I’m sorry I’m not that strong
I’m glad you came to visit again
My strength it seems, is gone.
I don’t mean to be a bother
Or keep wasting your time
I’m glad you’re here to support me
When my pain is at its prime.
Tiny little teardrop
Why must you visit again
I’m trying to live without you
I don’t want to be your friend.
I want my face to smile
I want my heart to feel good
I wish you would stay away
If only you could.
Tiny little teardrop
Like an old withered routine
Slicing through my happiness
With your teardrops in between.
You’ve gotten kind of boring
An old habit to name a few
It’s time for me to start over
Making teardrops that are new.
Why must you return
To my eyes that cry?
I’ve told you many times
It’s time to say goodbye.
I wiped away your tears
Their flow I did stop
I just didn’t know
Each time, it was a brand new teardrop.
Written by Catherine Mellen ⚘
A New England Snowstorm
As I lay down to sleep
Snow will fall three feet deep.
I made a list of things I’ll need
Pen, paper and books to read.
Shovels, rock salt and some sand
Check in on neighbors who need a hand.
Flashlights, batteries and candles too
Incase power goes out for a few.
Some beer, liquor and the wine
Stock them up and you’ll be fine.
An over abundance of marijuana
This is my list, you can join if you wanna.
Grocery store trips are a big no no
But for bread and milk, people still go.
Parking bans and nowhere to park
Another snowstorm leaving its mark
Disgruntled drivers all over the road
Middle fingers waving, a masshole code.
Three feet of snow is coming our way
Don’t like the weather, then wait a day.
A winter blast with snow above our knees
But on Tuesday, temps will be fifty degrees.
Written by Catherine Mellen aka Irishgirl692
When the pity is easier to look at than what the communication will tell, we as children are told to move on and forget, as adults we are told to forgive. Yet we live our whole lives trying to forget something we will always remember and search for forgiveness in what is so unforgivable ~ My life story is an open book for the world to read…
I was a trophy in a child predators sick world and a victim to a lifetime of shame, secrets and silence due to a society accustomed to downsizing the wrath of childhood trauma and family secrets.
What is life like growing up a statistic in a world full of abused children? I tell my story in a raw, graphic detailed two-part memoir.
Part Two 1982-2019 coming in June 2022
The horrifying truth behind child rape, torture, family secrets, unsolved murders and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored.
Part One now available…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
And coming in Spring 2023… Understanding Childhood Trauma, Do You Understand It Now?
I recieved another five star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐review ❤
The hardest book I will ever write, but also one that needed to be told.
Reviews like this remind me that I did right in telling my truth and how truly supported I really am.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
When Childhood Trauma and Poetry Collide: Poetically Written…
https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Mind-Childhood-Trauma-Collide/dp/B08ZBMR2MR
The horrifying story behind the poetry: Child rape, torture, family secrets, unsolved murders and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
Part Two 1982-2019 coming June 2022
Coming in Spring 2023… Understanding Childhood Trauma, Do You Understand It Now?
Part Two 1982-2019 coming June 2022
The horrifying truth behind child rape, torture, family secrets, unsolved murders and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored.
Part One now available…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
And coming in Spring 2023… Understanding Childhood Trauma, Do You Understand It Now?
#Shocking #truecrime #memoir
Part Two of my memoir is now in the hands of my publisher ⚘
What a long road it has been…
The horrifying truth behind child rape, torture, family secrets, a five decade trail of unsolved murders and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored.
Part Two 1982-2019 coming June 2022
Part One 1975-1982 now available…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
Stand Up, Speak Up and Never Give Up… ❤
Happy new week and new year everyone. Remember when you first heard about the American Dream? From my spring 2022 release American Dream:Tales of a Poet, here is my…
🇱🇷 American Dream 🇺🇲
Struggling to make ends meet
Happens on every street.
Barely enough to get by
Unpaid bills and funds run dry.
American dream, where did it go?
Was it a lie for the world to know?
Stress piles high, demand is too much
The American dream I just can’t touch.
Rent is due, kids need clothes
Shopping for bargains is how it goes.
American dream is what I was told
But rarely do I see it actually unfold.
Homeless and mental health
Security from the commonwealth.
Jobless rate and disability
A loss beyond our ability.
I look out the window of the American dream
Thinking it was a lie or so it does seem.
American dream where are you now?
Were you a lie we all believed in some how?
I’ll close my eyes and dream of my home
An American myth I ponder alone.
Written by Catherine Mellen ☘
Wishing everyone safe surroundings, good health and lots of friendships or lottery winnings, good sex and lots of alcohol… Whichever you prefer.
Remember to raise your left leg a few seconds before midnight, that way you start the year off on the right foot.
There is no New Year, New You… you are the same person you were at 11:59.
New Year Resolutions are a scam and should be avoided 🤣
Be on the lookout for drunk and idiot drivers, if you don’t see one, don’t be one.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay Happy ⚘
Happy New Year 2022 Everyone 🎉🎉
Merry Christmas Everyone. One more from my Christmas in Poetry Land Collection because even on Christmas day….
I Talk To Angels
If I had a wish, one that would come true
I’d wish for one more Christmas, just to be with you.
I’d tell you all about the times, I was left alone and cried
Close my eyes, I talk to you, until my tears are dried.
I’d tell you how I miss the way, your quirky little smile
Close my eyes, I talk to you, I know its been awhile.
If I had a wish, one that I want the most
Maybe a Christmas photo, for a social media post.
I’d tell you how it feels, to miss you to the core
Close my eyes, I talk to you, if only for once more.
I’d tell you of days ago and of Christmas past
Close my eyes, I talk to you, hoping it will last.
If I had one wish, one that is on my mind
I’d make my wish for you, a Christmas miracle kind.
I’d tell you how I dream, of days when you were here
Close my eyes, I talk to you, please don’t disappear.
I’d tell you how I begged, days I wished you stayed
Close my eyes, I talk to you, everyday I prayed.
If I had a wish, with just one destination
I’d wish for one more Christmas with your visitation.
I’d tell you I’m glad your here, please don’t go away
Close my eyes, I talk to you, even on Christmas Day.
Written by Catherine Mellen
An inspiring poetic Christmas short story. From my 2022 Christmas Stories in Poetry Land, here is…
Corey’s Walk
This is a story, about a boy named Corey
And very long walk he took
It was cold, but he was bold
Like pages written in a book.
He planned ahead, in order to spread
Peace and love to all
He walked real slow, in the snow
So he wouldn’t slip and fall.
He made a sign out of pine
‘Please join me if you will’
Before he knew, the line had grew
A spectacular winter thrill.
As they walked, the people talked
“Where is it that we are going?”
Corey replied, with great pride
“To the bright star that is glowing.”
Every night, it shines so bright
You can see it near and far
Every day we kneel and pray
To the brightest northern star
That is where, we get to share
A miracle for all mankind
Corey said, “It’s just ahead,
Peace and love, you’ll find.”
No one moved at what Corey proved
They just shouted out in laughter
“It is way too high, up in the sky,
For any one of us to go after.”
It made the young lad, a little sad
That he could not reach the star
They told Corey, not to worry
He was still their superstar.
They sang a song, it wasn’t long
Until Corey looked all around
He knew right then, his search did end
Peace and love was found.
He took a chance and now they dance
Throughout the whole neighborhood
But still so high, way up in the sky
He’d reach for a star if he could.
Written by Catherine Mellen 🎄 Merry Christmas Everyone
The horrifying truth behind child rape, torture, family secrets and the monstrous predator my birth mother harbored.
Part Two coming June 2022
Part One now available…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
#truecrime #memoir
What does a Christmas Gift mean to you?
A Christmas gift for me
If I had to choose
My own created family
I hope I never lose.
I don’t want a necklace
Or things made of gold
Items will never replace
Gifts you can not hold.
Don’t wrap me a present
No gifts in a bag or box
I don’t need the air pleasant
By mood soothing rocks.
Once were the days, in stories often told
Of gift giving ways, in a world gone old.
Give me a visit, show me some love
The holiday isn’t, a sale priced glove.
Cost no money, just a big heart
No traffic, no lines, no shopping cart.
A Christmas gift for me
Is all laughter and smiles
They come absolutely free
Memories made in piles.
It’s not sold in stores
No accompanying shelves
Giving loud morning snores
For the overworked elves.
If I have to choose
I hope you catch my drift
A family I’ll never lose
Is the best Christmas Gift.
Written by Catherine Mellen ♡
Also please remember Toys 4 Tots, Salvation Army, the homeless and our Veterans this and every holiday season.
Peace, blessings and a Merry Christmas to all.
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/posts/a-christmas-gift
Making homemade perogies today with my daughter. A tradition that started with my ex Ma in-law nearly thirty years ago..
What are your holiday recipe traditions?
Here is a poem from my Christmas in Poetry Land collection…
🍬Holiday Recipe Time🍬
Sugar Plum Dumplings
Fruit Cake crumbling
Gingerbread house making
Christmas pies are baking
A Holiday Recipe Time
Glaze the ham, spread the jam
Don’t you dare forget the yam
Stuff the turkey, it sounds a bit quirky
But am I the only one who likes Beef Jerky?
A Holiday Recipe Time
Breads to bake, jello to make
Did you remember the birthday cake?
Squish the squash, turnip you can toss
We all know, cranberry is the sauce.
A Holiday Recipe Time
Potatoes to peal, bread is stale
Yes, people really do eat Kale
The fudge was a flop, cake I didn’t top
Did anyone remember to buy the soda pop?
A Holiday Recipe Time
It’s time to eat, take your seat
A Holiday Recipe is a timeless treat
Squeeze the lime, a bit of thyme
It’s a Holiday Recipe Time.
Written by Catherine Mellen
May you never be too grown-up to search the skies on Christmas Eve 🎅🤶🎄
💙Christmas Blues💙
A weathered hole, a tired soul
Like a worn out pair of shoes
Masking the part, of a broken heart
When it comes to Christmas blues.
A heavy burden, always learning
So many bills with past dues
It’s so confusing, nothing’s amusing
When it comes to Christmas blues.
Sparkle from a star, standing where you are
You see only what you choose
It’s easy to hide, if you don’t confide
When it comes to Christmas blues.
No money to spend, there is no end
My mind, I hope I don’t lose
Struggling along, trying to belong
When it comes to Christmas blues.
I often ponder in a world I wander
Where compassion is on short fuse
So much hate, I can only relate
When it comes to Christmas blues.
Sadness and tears, will soon disappear
As happiness slowly soothes
Bringing back, the strength I pack
When it comes to Christmas blues.
Written by Catherine Mellen
From my Christmas in Poetry Land book. I hope you all like it and I wish everyone a great week ahead.
BTW, my website is safe, secure and is free to join, read and encourage. Check it out if you’d like…
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
I made it through to round 2 in the AllAuthor Book Cover Contest. I started in spot #225 and made it to spot #8.
Thank you to all who voted but would you mind sending some more votes my way? Please? Pretty Please? OK, I’ll add some sugar on top too.
The first link brings you to my book, the bottom link brings you to all the book covers in the contest.
https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/12537/
https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/
A true story of one girl’s determination to live.
From 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts, my life story, an open book for the world to read. Child rape, torture, family secrets, unsolved murders and the predator my birth mother harbored.
Did you work at St Joseph’s maternity ward in August 1976? Camp at Wymans Beach 1980-81? Did you know my birth mother?
Then you may be in my book…
Part One 1975-1982 is now available. Part Two 1982-2019 coming in June 2022.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
I went from spot #225 to spot #7. Thank you to everyone who voted.
Three days left of round one, if you haven’t voted yet, would you? Could you? Pretty please?
Happy Saturday All 🎄
https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/12537/
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Poetry-Land-Catherine-Mellen/dp/1097313468
My book cover has been entered into the Allauthor.com monthly contest. The first two rounds are open to the public, so with that said…
Could you take a minute to give me a vote?
Please ❤
https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/12537/
From Dec 2nd to December 9
Read some poems with your wine
Tis the season to be super nice
So, Christmas in Poetry Land will be half price
Ebook: $2.99
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Poetry-Land-Catherine-Mellen-ebook/dp/B08W9BYYX5
Paperback: $3.99
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Poetry-Land-Catherine-Mellen/dp/1097313468
Does it make me cured? Can I recover?
Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A Silenced Voice
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/posts/ive-shattered-my-silence-now-what
My life story from age 5 through 49 years of age. An open book for the world to read.
Child rape, torture, unsolved murders and the monster my birth mother harbored.
I’ve told my story
I’m outside the box
Away from the drawer
Which held all the locks.
Part One is now available: https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
A lifetime of being a statistic in a world full of abused children, for me began in 1975…
#truecrime #memoir
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
A sing-along poem I wrote for writers and agents alike…
✍Querying ✍
A querying I will go
A querying I will go
Emailed my submission
A querying I will go.
It started off real slow
First page was years ago
It’s finally in completion
And polished with a glow.
Pages I had to type
Editing was the hype
My book is finally complete
My writing skills are ripe.
Some lines I had to wipe
I complained without a gripe
A rejection letter to delete
And an agent I will swipe.
Proposal written well
A story I have to tell
I’ll spread awareness
With words I often yell
Querying can be hell
Making fingers swell
Guidelines are for fairness
An agents calling bell.
Proofread once again
Spacing lines too thin
Hoping for a book show
A best seller for the win
Attach files in trash bin
No writing with a pen
A querying I will go
Until an agent says I’m in.
Written by Catherine Mellen ♡
An Abused Child
Wrap your arms around me
Give me your tightest hold
You still wouldn’t see my pain
Or the horror that’s been told.
No way you could feel
My scars hidden so well
No way to feel
These open wounds I tell.
A fear greater than evil
A cruelty beyond control
A voice that’s been silenced
Through a shattered childhood soul.
Struggling for the strength
Or the words to a voice
Society made the decision
Silence is the best choice.
Decades go by
So much time lost
I’m telling my truth
No matter the cost.
My story will help others
To find their own strength
Scars to empower
Healing has no length.
Child Abuse is a matter
That shouldn’t be taken mild
Even as an adult…
I was still once an Abused Child.
Link to my poetic memoir…
https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Mind-Childhood-Trauma-Collide/dp/B08ZBMR2MR
Link to the story behind the poetry…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
I am not a secret anymore! I don’t know if anyone can truly understand that? A childhood full of rape, torture and cruelty. A lifetime of shame, secrets and silence.
Two older brothers who knew and did nothing. A mother who turned her excuses for her boyfriend into hate for her own daughter.
A family that protected their reputation more than they protected me.
Decades after the terrorizing sexual and physical abuse was over, the emotional, mental, psychological and spiritual abuse from my own family continued. They kept me silenced as a victim until one day, reality made me the survivor I really am.
Horrifying childhood trauma, family secrets, unsolved murders and the monster my birth mother harbored.
A lifetime of living as a statistic in a world full of abused children, for me, began in 1975…
Available in #paperback #ebook and #Kindleunlimited. #truecrime #memoir #mustread
Judith Chartier’s car has been found after 39 years. Submerged in the Concord River, Billerica Massachusetts. The VIN number is a positive match.
May the upcoming 40th year anniversary bring answers to the families of Judy Chartier, Brenda Lacombe and Janice Filamond. And may detectives finally get fully inside the cellar wall of my childhood home #unsolved #truecrime
After nearly 40 years, it is time for answers.
Follow my social media for more updates…
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/landing?space_id=820640
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175
https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692
https://www.Pinterest.com/Irishgirl692
My Memoir, A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch Part One 1975-1982: Lowell Massachusetts is now available in ebook, paperback and Kindle Unlimited
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
A Mistletoe Kiss, A Christmas Love and Elves who snore, Christmas in Poetry Land will make a great score 🎄
Tis the season for a reason to take a look at my new 2021 Poetry book 🎅🤶 Available in paperback, ebook and Kindle Unlimited.
Christmas Stories in Poetry Land will be available 2022 along with Halloween in Poetry Land and Halloween Stories too 🎃👻
Happy November All 🍁
We raise our children to be wary of strangers, yet once a year we have them knock on their doors for candy.
Happy Halloween All
Dear God…
I know I have sinned, I’ll prove to you I can do fine
If only you’d give in, and give me a little more time.
I know I did wrong, when I told you I’d quit it all
But I just kept going on, doing drugs and drinking alcohol.
I was young and thought it was cool, I thought it was fun and now I’m the fool.
I have so many friends who care, I have so much to give
Death is my biggest fear, please Lord, let me live.
I haven’t got much time, they’re taking me away
Quick Lord, make up your mind, they are burying me today.
My drug habit will be through, I promise I will go straight
Lord don’t take me with you, please don’t say it’s too late?
Everyone is grieving, I’ve hurt them, can’t you see
Why are they leaving? Tell me, what’s to become of me?
I guess my life is at its end, you didn’t answer my prayer
Tell me Lord, what happens? Death is my Biggest Fear
Written by Catherine Mellen♡
It’s not a Halloween story, but it is a horrifying one.
What started a 2018 investigation of my abusers connection into multiple unsolved murders in my hometown?
It began in 1975…
#truecrime #memoir #mustread
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
A Childhood Tragedy Under A Mother’s Watch/ Part One 1975-1982 Lowell Massachusetts.
Can Halloween be cancelled, inspiring and saved?
A delightful short story, surely to warm your heart.
Dedicated to my ex in-laws, who loved Halloween so much, they made their last one, one worth saving.
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/posts/saving-halloween
I had to grow up and be the sibling I needed. I had to grow up and be the voice for the girls who were silenced forever. I had to grow up and be the courage I now carry.
In 2018, I walked into my hometown police station and reported my abusers connection to multiple unsolved murders between 1981-1982. What did my birth mother allow her boyfriend (my abuser) to bury inside the cellar wall of my childhood home? Who killed Janice Filamond and Brenda Lacombe? Where are the remains of Judith Chartier?
I had to tell my story from the beginning and for me, it started in 1975…
Now available #kindleunlimited #truecrime #memoir
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
https://www.nfbpublishing.com/
What do you call a statistic in a world full of abused children? Answer: A Survivor.
My name is Catherine Mellen and I am a statistic. I lived over thirty years under a cloud of shame, secrets and silence in a society that hid from the reality of childhood trauma and family secrets. I never used drugs, didn’t turn to alcohol, forgave my birth mother and accepted an apology I never received. I did all society expected us statistics to do, but all it did was drown me.
Society kept me a victim, reality made me a survivor.
My two-part memoir screams the truth behind cruelty, torture, child rape, family secrets and unsolved murders in my hometown of Lowell Massachusetts.
Part One is now available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953610161
When the pity is easier to look at than what the communication will tell, we as children are told to move on and forget. As adults we are told to forgive, yet we live our whole lives trying to forget something we will always remember and search for forgiveness in what is so unforgivable ~ Catherine Mellen
Can Halloween be saved and inspiring??
Dedicated to my ex in-laws who loved Halloween so much, they made their last one, worth saving.
From my #wip 33 Cases of Karma… here is Case number 5 #halloween #inspiration #shortstory
https://shatter-the-silence.mn.co/posts/saving-halloween
A Life Given To Me 