Your decision to share your story speaks volumes about your strength and resilience. I want to embrace Little Heidi and beat everyone up who hurt her! I am so proud of how you honor her, her innocence and, in turn, every other child that has experienced abuse. Thank you for shedding light on the importance of speaking out against abuse and supporting survivors. Your voice is loud and clear: you are not defined by your past and healing is possible. 💜🌟
Heidi, I don't have the words to say how sorry and heartbroken I am for 16 year old you. That abusive man stole so much of your innocence at that time. Distorting your view of life, love, and relationships. Not only that but to be rejected then by your bishop is despicable. How could he not see that for what it was? For telling you that YOU were the one to need repentance in your life. I am speechless. I am so happy for you that you are speaking up in order to help other girls out there. I can only imagine the courage that it must have taken for you to get to this point. I am in awe. You are incredible.
Thank you for sharing your story. You are not alone and speaking about what you went through can be the light to others who went through it after going through similar things that helps them understand that that aren't alone either.
Thank you for sharing your story, Heidi. I think we could probably have an entire docuseries titled "The True Story of My First Kiss" and it would run for many, many seasons. The uprising of brave women with strong voices as of late is really setting my heart on fire and I am here for it.
Unfortunately, this is so true. I feel like it's baby steps in an attempt to make a change. I'm with you. It's the best seeing women demand to be treated with respect. Love it.
I’ve had to retype my thoughts a few times, because I have so many strong feelings. I’m angry at D and the Bishop and the culture that keeps them protected. Very angry. I’m also so proud of you for your courage, compassion, strong faith and that you have protected your daughters from this type of situation. Often, a child can bring something like this up to a parent and the response is “it happened to me too” or the child is blamed as the parent deflects their own shame from their past. Not for your daughters. I’m glad you saw the truth as you got older. You are one of the most amazing people I’ve watched as you live with such grace. I know it’s not easy. Thank you for sharing your truth. You did nothing wrong. I like how you acknowledged that this is for “little Heidi.” All my love and thanks to you!
Thanks friend. This comment really means a lot. I'm angry too. I was angry before but the messages and comments I have seen since posting this have made me even angrier. I hope the conversation around this post will make a small difference.
First and foremost, I am so sorry for the years of her and sadness and confusion you felt. And I know that only skim the surface. Sorry you suffered abuse. Thank you for sharing. Hoping the power of the story and the intensity in love with which it was written rings true and only blesses our world. Love you lots.
Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your story and speaking your truth, as you say, for so many other young victims. Your powerful writing is important and honorable and I have so much respect for you.
Heidi, I’m so sorry you had this abusive, manipulative situation that stole your innocence. I too had a sexually abusive childhood that has haunted me and I’ve had to learn from and overcome so much. Sending you so much love and understanding. 🥰♥️
Thank you so much for your bravery sharing your story! I’m so mad and sad it happened and wish and hope your bravery can help others and create healing
Your decision to share your story speaks volumes about your strength and resilience. I want to embrace Little Heidi and beat everyone up who hurt her! I am so proud of how you honor her, her innocence and, in turn, every other child that has experienced abuse. Thank you for shedding light on the importance of speaking out against abuse and supporting survivors. Your voice is loud and clear: you are not defined by your past and healing is possible. 💜🌟
Thanks friend. I love these beautiful words you shared. Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Love you!
Heidi, I don't have the words to say how sorry and heartbroken I am for 16 year old you. That abusive man stole so much of your innocence at that time. Distorting your view of life, love, and relationships. Not only that but to be rejected then by your bishop is despicable. How could he not see that for what it was? For telling you that YOU were the one to need repentance in your life. I am speechless. I am so happy for you that you are speaking up in order to help other girls out there. I can only imagine the courage that it must have taken for you to get to this point. I am in awe. You are incredible.
Thank you so much friend. It is because of people like you that make is possible to share.
Thank you for sharing your story. You are not alone and speaking about what you went through can be the light to others who went through it after going through similar things that helps them understand that that aren't alone either.
... through it *or are* going through...
And on a personal note, nice to see something from you and miss you guys since you moved out of our ward years ago. Hope you are all doing well.
Thank you for sharing your story, Heidi. I think we could probably have an entire docuseries titled "The True Story of My First Kiss" and it would run for many, many seasons. The uprising of brave women with strong voices as of late is really setting my heart on fire and I am here for it.
Unfortunately, this is so true. I feel like it's baby steps in an attempt to make a change. I'm with you. It's the best seeing women demand to be treated with respect. Love it.
I’ve had to retype my thoughts a few times, because I have so many strong feelings. I’m angry at D and the Bishop and the culture that keeps them protected. Very angry. I’m also so proud of you for your courage, compassion, strong faith and that you have protected your daughters from this type of situation. Often, a child can bring something like this up to a parent and the response is “it happened to me too” or the child is blamed as the parent deflects their own shame from their past. Not for your daughters. I’m glad you saw the truth as you got older. You are one of the most amazing people I’ve watched as you live with such grace. I know it’s not easy. Thank you for sharing your truth. You did nothing wrong. I like how you acknowledged that this is for “little Heidi.” All my love and thanks to you!
Thanks friend. This comment really means a lot. I'm angry too. I was angry before but the messages and comments I have seen since posting this have made me even angrier. I hope the conversation around this post will make a small difference.
First and foremost, I am so sorry for the years of her and sadness and confusion you felt. And I know that only skim the surface. Sorry you suffered abuse. Thank you for sharing. Hoping the power of the story and the intensity in love with which it was written rings true and only blesses our world. Love you lots.
Thanks Margo. Love you!
Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your story and speaking your truth, as you say, for so many other young victims. Your powerful writing is important and honorable and I have so much respect for you.
Thanks Anya. It's already opened the door for so many conversations. It is truly devastating how much abuse happens.
Heidi, I’m so sorry you had this abusive, manipulative situation that stole your innocence. I too had a sexually abusive childhood that has haunted me and I’ve had to learn from and overcome so much. Sending you so much love and understanding. 🥰♥️
I'm sorry for what you went through as well. It is so disturbing how many people have been abused as children. Sending you so much love as well.
Thank you so much for your bravery sharing your story! I’m so mad and sad it happened and wish and hope your bravery can help others and create healing
Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. It is so healing knowing I don't carry it alone.