Every time I think about her, I cry — but I don’t remember what happened.
It’s time you took some steps to find out, say our elders. Whatever you discover, it’s important to face it and move on.
Dear EWC
I am a junior in high school and one side of my family isn’t good people. We have disconnected from them, but a long while before my grandpa died we were close to them. With my aunt, all I remember is being terrified in her kitchen… I don’t remember why, but when I think about it I cry. I don’t know what to do to find out what happened?
Beacons-of-Light reply
We are a group of seniors living in a retirement community and we are sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time right now. It is very important that you take the time to figure out what happened in your aunt’s kitchen so you can work through whatever it was or wasn’t… and move on with your future.
The first thing we would recommend is if you can find anyone in your family who would be willing to talk about what they might know about your situation in order to shed some light on the memory that you are having. Would your parents or another relative be able to help you understand why you disconnected from your grandfather’s side of the family in the first place? It seems like your grandfather was the glue that held the family together and once he was gone the things began to disintegrate in your family tree.
If there isn’t anyone who would be willing to talk openly to you about what the family issues were (and even if there are family who will talk to you) we also think that you would benefit from talking to a professional who can help you determine what you are remembering and what is causing your fears. We know that there are even things such as hypnosis that can help you remember things that your brain has purposefully buried deep in your memory bank. Only when you figure out what happened in your aunt’s kitchen will you be able to move past this deep sadness that you are experiencing. Be honest with your parents and explain to them that you are asking them for their help to determine what happened in the past.
Our hope is that it is nothing more than a harmless child’s memory but regardless of what you learn, it may take you some time to sort through all of your emotions and feelings. Be patient with the process and know that we are proud of you for taking this fear and facing it head-on! Don’t allow what you learn about your past to dictate your future — discover it, process it and move on. We are wishing you the best of luck now and always!
Letter #: 448464
Category: Family