Dawn S.

Dawn S. The Origin of Stars Read

Dawn S. My Morning Meditation Read

On January 21, 1997, I was the victim of a brutal kidnapping. I suffered severe physical injuries and still suffer from a seizure disorder that resulted from the head injury I sustained that day. Deeper than that, I was deeply, deeply emotionally and spiritually injured. For almost two years my life was in shambles. With the support of my friends and the resources available to me through the Crime Victim Services of Iowa (the kidnapping occurred in Des Moines, IA although I have lived in Minnesota for seven years) I put myself back together.

I wrote “The Origin of Stars” as a way to heal myself. In the story I am Sara. And Barucha represents all of the loved ones who stuck by me while I lost my mind in the throes of depression and post traumatic stress disorder.

Last year I sent this story to someone who had only known me for two years and knows nothing of the crime I survived. Ironically she wrote me back telling me that she could see me in the character of Barucha. I guess I have come full circle.

I am now happily married, working as an emergency room registered nurse and as an artist. Rapid Eye Movement Therapy (EMDR therapy) helped me the most as a way to move on. I don’t talk about the crime often. It still breaks my heart. But the important thing is that now I can talk about the crime without falling apart. I know what is at stake everyday and how a moment can change you forever. I am happy and content. It is a miracle.

I wrote “My Morning Meditation” this year as a way to celebrate my new found contentment.