Spoken like a true staff member there Mish.
What I dont understand, is the intolerance by some of you, for those who need to vent. Some dont believe there was abuse others say there was. Some had good experiences, for others it was a living nightmare.
Yes it has been along time for alot of us (89-91 myself) most of us are in our late 20's to our late 30's maybe early 40's. Is there a time frame on healing? Post tramatic stress disorder is something people sometimes live with their entire lives.
I myself fell victim to the abuse by other teens on staff, and then later did abusing when I moved up the phases and eventually to Jr staff. Nothing sexual, but I remember forcefully restraining others, and being restrained myself. I remember the room in the back of group, where kids would sit to sort through your clothes, in front of the exit doors. And being locked in there for days at a time, for looking at the female's side. I remember sitting in hard wooden pues for 10 to 14 hours a day motivating till my arms went dumb. Watching some nut job Tony piss him self because they would not let him go to the bathroom. I could go on and on, but I need to make a point.
I am here to tell you sh*t did happen, whether some of you did not witness it, or just refuse to remember I dont really give a F*ck. Just the same all of us that went through the program, no matter what is was called life, straight, growing together etc. That gives us something in common, a bond, that others will never understand ever.
Some of you have grown, maybe worked through you feelings, others sometimes are not equipt with that ability. We need to be accept their veiws and their ways of dealing with it. If you cant handle the b*tch sessions then dont come back. There is alot of positve stuff on here to, old friends reuniting.
I was very bitter for the loss of two years in my late teens, it took me along time to relize I cant change the past. I still keep in touch with three other lifers that still live in Sarasota and are doing quite well.
I myself am now a police officer, I make a contribution to society, give back what I took as a teen. I feel good about life(living), but do I still think about the program, hell yes, that place was Mucked up!!!!!
I made alot of friends though, and hope to make contact with more of you that was in from 89-91..........
I am just trying to say, lets show a little compassion to those who have not adjusted so well.
I am stepping down from the soap box know...............j
