For those of you who are convinced that Melissa Huckabee is covering

[Dappleganger]

for another involved person (male, or otherwise), know this: as a victim of multiple instances of sexual and physical abuse by a female babysitter, and also as a victim of my own father's abuse and having served several years in the Guardian ad Litem program in my state--it is extremely RARE for this type of abuse to happen within a vacuum and be the only instance. This type of abuse tends to be cyclical, it runs in families (both immediate and extended). The perpetrators were more often than not victims themselves, and may even been victimized as they were inflicting it upon someone else.

Oh, what a tangled web evil weaves. Those who injure and frighten, and those who turn their heads away in disbelief. I could tell you story after story the results of what happens when the hornet's nest is knocked down--it is never nice and neat.

As it stands now, there is a little 5 yr. old girl who is as much of a victim as the one who was murdered. I never realized just how awful it was to be a witness (even not in the same room) until my sister's world came apart, not unlike my own had at one point in time. The pain and guilt she carried for years was unimaginable, feeling as if she could have somehow stopped what had happened to me or somehow changed the course of events. She was imprisoned with learned fear by my mother and not until she had children of her own did she realize that it was not her fault and out of her control. We are blessed to have had each other to hold onto during those rough times. It is like living through a war and struggling to find words to describe the events you both endured, but rather just nod and sigh in relief that you survived.

So yes, we should definitely mourn the tragic ending of the sweet little girl who was tossed by the road in the suitcase...but let's remember to pray for and support the little one who was left behind to pick up the pieces for the rest of her life. I'm living proof that it can happen, but it is a twisted, cruel road ahead. There is also quite likely that there are more victims as well, and I hope that the truth will ALL COME TO LIGHT and bring and end to that cycle of abuse.

[hlthe2b]

1. Your painful experience counts for a lot in understanding

the horror of this situation. I hope that others who have likewise suffered are there to offer the remaining child support. She's going to have an incredibly difficult future.

[cali]

2. thanks for that and you're right about the child

left behind. my heart goes out to her.

[liberalmuse]

3. Dear god, I can't even imagine.

I'm sorry you had to go through something so unspeakable. Thank you for your insightful and compassionate post.

[Dappleganger]

5. Thank you!

I stand on the shoulders of some damned good counselors, friends and family, though. Wouldn't be here without them (literally)! It's very hard to watch the cycle, knowing what's ahead. Hard, yet hopeful.

[Lex]

4. It'll be interesting to see what all the evidence & confession, if any, brings

to light.

Very tragic and unbelievably sad for all.

[Dappleganger]

6. We may never know it all...

I am anticipating that justice will have her day in court. State's witnesses usually do a damn good job of helping to put these pieces together for a jury and judge to understand.

[Jackeens]

7. Oh Dappleganger, harrowing and powerful...

My family/extended family went through something similar to what you and yours experienced, but I'm guessing from your words a lot less prolonged or severe. I appreciate your thoughts and understanding on all of this, you're an amazing person.