We had a family discussion today about the photo incident of a couple of days ago. I wasn’t going to say anything but it came up and it seemed better to talk about it.

The issue with recovering from trauma is there’s so many triggers that can set you off. Instead of asking how the kids are, or offering support (emotional or the court ordered financial), they pick off a picture to look at.

The boy was really upset. I apologized and said it was my fault for putting up a picture and that I wouldn’t do it again. I explained that it was nice to share how he looked with my friends and family but that I should have been more thoughtful.

The girl piped up from the back seat I don’t care. You can post all the pictures of me that you want. Let them see how much happier I am without them in my life.

It was a powerful statement. It took her from fearful victim to empowered survivor. She’s been working so hard at healing and I really saw the result today.

We are moving to a place where we aren’t afraid and won’t be intimidated.

That is happiness.