The Winter 2003 Issue Of
Survivor Haven

Survivor Haven Winter 2003 Issue Greetings to all and welcome to the Winter 2003 issue of Survivor Haven. It is difficult to believe we have once again passed the holiday season and entered a new year with all the emotions they can often bring forth. Many find this time of year to be the happiest of all; others face a deepening depression that devours all joy and sense of peace. We wish to remind all that the road to recovery is a long one. It is full of twists, turns and obstacles but it is a road worth the effort. Remember, there is light to be found even in the darkest times of the journey and you can only be responsible for yourself during the trip. If fellow family members refuse to depart with you towards recovery, that is their decision as is their possible reactions to your recovery and the changes that may occur. Recovery itself is like an adventure and while you may not be the same person as you were when you began, you will be amazed at the empowerment such an adventure can provide. Believe in yourself and you will find your way. Donna “Kai” Wilson generously donated the piece of art above, Creation to Survivor Haven. To see more of her beautiful work, please visit her web page at:http://writersdream.deep-ice.com. Many thanks to Kai for her donations. For any who would like to send comments concerning Kai’s Creation, please do so by writing to her care of SurvivorHaven@yahoo.com. There are those who may see the work as an image of the world within the hand of a greater being or higher power. I happen to see it as a look at myself because it is in my own hands to make of my life what I will. It is in my hands to embark upon the journey to recovery and turn the gray, depressed world around me into one of full color and beauty. Just as it is in the hands of every survivor to do the same with his or her own life. This month we have a beautiful collection of poetry, essays, articles and even some humor. We at Survivor Have hope you will not only enjoy the work (in as much as such topics can be enjoyed) but will also let the authors know how their efforts have touched you. All comments will be forwarded to the authors. If you don’t have time to send an email, please feel free to sign our guestbook. All work by the authors, artists and staff of Survivor Haven is done without pay. The response of the readers is the only reward any of us receive. As always, Survivor Haven encourages all visitors to take time to visit the following sites that also deal with abuse, recovery and the differences between being a victim and being a survivor. Just be sure to bookmark Survivor Haven before you leave since all of these sites are away from the Survivor Haven network! At Suite101, Susan Maree Jeavons has a column on Child Abuse and Recovery which offers excellent articles and help for those in recovery. Also, please take a moment and check out her cry for help concerning the disappearance of her son Ed. His photo and information can be found at: http://www.suite101.com/topic_page.cfm/3784/3992. Also at Suite101 is the column of Survivor Haven’s own editor Tenna Perry. Her topic is Child Sexual Abuse and it is updated on a monthly basis. As for laughter, never forget to visit Survivor Wit produced by Mary Collins. Before meeting Mary online, I never thought to see any humor in the subjects of abuse, recovery or in any aspect of being a survivor. She has over the past few months shown me just how wrong I could be. I believe there has been some server problems over the last few days at Survivor Wit but they are being worked on. If you are unable to access the pages, please check back in a few days. Survivor Haven would also like to remind all visitors that the work displayed on these pages is copyrighted and belongs to the authors involved. Each of these poems, essays, articles and pieces of work are protected by copyright law. No reproduction of any part of any piece showcased here is allowed. If you are interested in purchasing the piece from the author, please contact us and we will forward your request to the appropriate parties. Now on to this month’s issue of Survivor Haven! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Newcomer Monique Rider makes a powerful point concerning abuse and self image in Success Begins Within Connie Spector returns this month with her poem Child Insane. This is a powerful piece that may very well be triggering to some survivors but in the end, the message is one we all need to hear. Newcomer Cindy Bezas has offered excellent advice in her poem Every Voice For indeed, we each have voices that deserve to be heard and a song to sing. Carol Huber looks and finds someone to love her inSomeone Will Care. Tenna Perry’s poem Stepping Out Into The Light may be a bit overwhelming to some survivors as it deals with justice for the abuser and surviving for the abused. Connie Spector also offers us a look into the life story of a little girl named, Jenny. It is a story that will bring tears to your eyes but hope to your heart. Faith Reeves takes a look at a controversial book and the NAMBLA society it supports in her article “Sickening.” Carol Huber rejoins us with a look at abusive behavior by those who are supposed to be helping us heal in Pagans, Authority Figures & Sexual Abuse. Margaret Helmstetter takes a different look at “Surviving” while getting parents to take stock of what they are doing and hopefully in the end, stopping abuse. Stephanie Bennett returns with insight into “The Hunter.” Carolina Osorio is a newcomer this month to Survivor Haven and her Petals Of A Flower is a tribute to being a woman and a survivor that encourages survivors to speak out and break the silence. Since it is the holiday season, we decided to offer visitors a taste of our contributors' favorite recipes. While we don't promise the best tasting turkey or even one that doesn't come out as dry as the Sahara, there are still some yummmy foods to enjoy! So be sure to check out our Good Food page! Please help us in supporting the contributing authors here at Survivor Haven. Donations are sought in an attempt to be able to actually pay our fine writers. If you are able to help Survivor Haven continue to provide quality work towards stamping out the evils of rape and all forms of child or domestic abuse, please use the link below and make whatever donation you are able to make. Visit Other Areas Of The Haven Take a tour of our Previous Issues Find all areas of Survivor Haven at the Haven's Homepage Subscribe to the Survivor Haven Newsletter Tour the Haven'sArt Gallery (and feel free to purchase any prints you desire). Stop by and read the Submission Guidelines Contact Survivor Haven for submissions or comments at:SurvivorHaven@yahoo.com View My Guestbook Sign My Guestbook