Last week I attended the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Seminar put together by “GenerationALL.” The official name for the event was, “Healing Generations in Utah: Free Fall Public Event.’
But, as I wrote last week, I was there for ACE, and specifically to talk to Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. For me, it was all about ACE.
Possibly my emotional healing has kept me here
In 2007, I was invited to become part of a Survivors Study via the Huntsman Cancer Hospital. I was invited because I’ve had 4 more more melanoma’s, and have lived over a decade since my first melanoma was removed. Briefly, the scientists are studying me, and what it is about me that is surviving. During my introduction to the study, the main doctor said, “It’s not just your diligence, there are many who are extremely fastidious about checking their skin and they still have recurrences that metastasize through-out their bodies. We want to know what is special about you that you are still here.”
Scientists are studying me, and what it is about me that is surviving
After attending the ACE seminar, and particularly hearing Dr. Frank McDonald’s presentation that ACE effects can be altered, 1 I think, but am not sure, that possibly my emotional healing is helping combat the altered biological changes2 that occurred in my childhood, my developmental years, due to the trauma.
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’s Compassion
As I mentioned last post, I planned to ask Dr. Harris if there one’s biological make-up has been altered, is the a way to heal?
I was fortunate to be able to talk to her directly. I briefly explained my prior diagnosis, and my current status. She held both of my hand, and looked into my eyes. I saw her eyes glisten over. Then she hugged me and thanked me for all that I am doing.
Still holding both of my hands, I looked at her and said, “It might be curtains for me, but thank you for helping the future children. Use my story if it helps.”
She hugged me again. She blinked back a tear as I wiped away mine.
Her love and compassion is still with me, in my heart.
May it be in your heart also.
“Love One Another”
On Saturday, I went to the local protest of “No Kings.” I held a sign, that said, “Love One Another.” As soon as I got to the Utah State Capitol, I saw another dressed in an inflatable Bee costume, with a sign that said, “Bee Kind.” I saw numerous signs, with things like, “Liberty and Justice for All.” I saw a couple with foul language on ‘em, but not many. Overall it was messages of love, inclusion, and hope.
I’m writing this, because my neighbors that I attended the event with were stunned when the national news labeled these protests as hateful and those attending were terrorists.
I was there, that was not the case. It was all about love and kindness and acceptance.
For those who have spoken their truth and had it misconstructed, it is jarring. For many survivors of sexual abuse, this is a common theme. Many only hear what they want to hear.
Please continue your healing and don’t diminish yourself if others don’t understand. Many do. Many understand love and healing and inclusion. You are not alone.
On Sunday night, I walked through the cemetery. The sky was a golden orange with the setting sun. I thought of “The Red Badge of Courage” and the scene the morning after a particularly gruesome battle. The birds were signing and the sky was peacefully blue. Mother Nature doesn’t care about our conflicts and pain. Or maybe she does and is sending us a message that there is more, much more than our pain, conflicts and suffering.
I believe there is….
Please know, I am reaching out to find out more on this. I don’t want just “hunches” I want the scientific proof. Complete with peer review studies and scientific publications. This is my life and I’m not relying on wishful thinking, myths or legends.
Many researchers and scientists with whom I have contacted have referred to Metholodated DNA.