Broken Survivor

by Jennifer Labelle

  Life was good, and she planned to cherish every moment of it.

  ***

  “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and a richness to life that nothing else can bring.”

  ―Oscar Wilde

  Over twenty years have flown right by.

  And still I find it hard to believe you’re not with us, but in the sky.

  Every day I find the strength not to forget you,

  To live on, make you proud, and even escape

  that’s the truth.

  He took your life in the most horrific way,

  And still I struggle with it every day.

  Haunting images, flashbacks,

  and nightmares galore,

  Why did I have to witness such gore?

  My shining light is my family that holds me tight.

  They give me strength and the will to live on,

  To carry you in my heart even though you are gone,

  I truly hope karma bites him in the ass,

  Because he’s the jerk who will never

  escape from his past,

  He took my world when you went away,

  And then God made you an angel

  and took away your pain.

  While we’re on this earth trying to

  take it day by day,

  We need to move on, and I know you’d want

  us to anyway.

  Your love, your strength, and courage I hold dear,

  It made me the woman I am so be clear,

  I thank you and God for the time that we had.

  I just wish you could have met the seven grandchildren you now have.

  Three boys and four girls of various ages,

  You would have had a blast

  spoiling them outrageous.

  Lord, please give me the strength

  to forgive and stay strong,

  Because choosing another path

  would just be so wrong,

  I hope you’re proud while looking down.

  In my heart you belong, will always be around.

  An invisible strength and love to surround us,

  Your spirit will live on, through the memories

  we were blessed with.

  Until we meet again in the shining bright light,

  I’ll end this with a lyric to a song you used to sing.

  Your own quirky rendition I’ll never forget,

  I love you, and don’t you for-duh-get it.

  Cha Cha Cha.

  Acknowledgements

  I’d like to acknowledge all of the important women in my life.

  My mother Lori, who taught me to be a strong, loving woman like she once was. You were taken way too soon but taught us the value of self-worth before you left. My sister Jaime, who showed me how to be tough. You always stuck by me through the hardest parts in our life. I love you, and I really miss you, wherever you are.

  My Aunt Lynne. I want to thank you for always caring. I know you tried your best, and I appreciate all you’ve done for us. I’m sorry for all of the misunderstandings throughout the years.

  My Aunt Lee, for being the cool one and hearing me out even when you didn’t want to.

  My grandmother Frances, for always looking out for everyone. You were a great mother and nanny. I’ll always remember your smile and false teeth, and I’ll cherish the memory of all the laughs we had when you used to take them out and chase us with them.

  And my mother-in-law Joanne, for adopting me as one of her own.

  I’d also like to give a shout-out to my foster mother Francine. We had a lot of ups and downs and misunderstandings throughout the years, but you always stuck by me, and I’m so glad we worked everything out. My foster sister, MJ. Thank you for introducing me to my husband and for being a cool sister-in-law.

  And my amazing daughter, Aliya. You’re still young yet, but I hope to give you everything I can. You have my love, admiration, and every time I look at you and your brothers, I’m in still in awe I was blessed with such incredible children.

  I can’t forget the men in my life. My husband Martin, for helping pick up the pieces when I shattered. You were there when I had nobody and stuck by me when most wouldn’t have. There may be more of you to love now, and you might have lost your hair more and more with every child we had, but you’re still you. My sweet, attentive, incredible guy, you truly are the miracle in me. I love you like crazy, babe.

  My father-in-law Raymond. May you rest in peace. You were like a dad to me, and one of my biggest fans. I’ll never forget you.

  My oldest son Nicholas. I love your protective nature, curiosity, and determination. But most of all, your momma’s boy ways. You’re a pain in the butt sometimes, but we’re close as can be.

  My youngest son Camrin. I’m amazed every day how much we’re alike. It’s a little scary. You’re smart, handsome, easygoing, and I love that we share the same interests, like reading, drawing, and video games. I love you too.

  My Uncle Larry, who was around for a lot of my childhood. You are an awesome man and easy to talk to, and I love your silly way with people. You’re caring, kind, and have an amazingly big heart. I love you.

  And lastly, David and Gary deserve an honorable mention. David, my mother loved you like crazy. You were a great stepfather to her and a loving husband to Nanny. You have my respect and admiration for being such a wonderful, strong man. And, Gary, my grandfather. I can’t say we’ve had the closest relationship, but I do love you too. You helped create an amazing woman, and I’m sure you did the best you could.

  I’d also like to thank my amazing beta readers, Kellie and Kiki, for all of your help. The two of you are wonderful friends, talented authors in your own right, and I value your time.

  I can’t forget to mention my loyal readers. You make all of this hard work worthwhile and have my deepest gratitude for your support. This story, which is based on true events, is very close to my heart. Don’t forget, the best way to thank your favorite author is to spread the word to everyone you can and leave a great review.

  If I’ve forgotten anyone, I apologize. There are just so many of you. Thank you all.

  And one more thing before you go. This book is also for all the women out there who have ever been abused in one way or another. There is hope with the right resources, and support, and I hope this story makes a difference somehow.

  Life is what you make of it.

  Best wishes,

  Jennifer Labelle

  About the Author

  Jennifer Labelle resides in Canada with her husband and three beautiful children. After her third child she became a stay at home mom. In her busy household Jennifer likes to spend her down time engrossed in the stories that she creates. She is an active reader of romance, mystery and anything paranormal. With an education in Addictions work she’s decided to take a less stressful approach in life and hopes that you enjoy, as she shares some of her imagination and artistic inspiration with all of you.

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