bean-tor

Today was the nineteenth anniversary of my rape; while I certainly hope that I'm not offending anyone by making an annual post, I do find it important to continually extend my offer of a friendly ear to anyone who may need it. Recent media coverage also demonstrates the strength that can be found in the voices of fellow survivors and their loved ones. Regardless of how far in the future, if you are reading this message and need someone to listen, please feel welcome to contact me. For me, this day is always a time to reflect upon--and acknowledge my gratitude for--life and healing. I am so thankful to have survived, and to have been given the opportunity to help others in their own recovery. I'm also thankful for the support that I've experienced along the way. In some pretty beautiful circumstances, I unexpectedly heard from a dear old friend (about whom I've been very concerned given his declining health and sparse recent communication)...and this after having started my morning by revisiting a note he'd written to me in years past: and so, stitch by stitch, [bean] put herself back together again How perfect.

Aww, shucks! Love you, Babycat!

Happy anniversary! :cheers:

I'm sorry to have missed the special day itself, but happy anniversary all the same, Tick! :cheers:

I'm sorry to have missed the day itself, but happy anniversary all the same! :cheers:

My_Dear_Lion, I'm very sorry to have missed your birthday! I hope that you had a lovely day indeed! I hope that you will enjoy this little doodle of Tillie that I made for the occasion: http://i.imgur.com/QOGKYfa.png

http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/160944-Happy-Birthday-Cat.jpg Darling Babycat, I'm sorry to be so late but I hope that you had a wonderful birthday!

I'm sorry to have missed the day itself, but happy anniversary all the same! :cheers:

I'm sorry to have missed the day itself, but happy anniversary all the same! :cheers:

Belated wishes for a happy birthday & anniversary! :cheers:

Very belated birthday wishes, Laura! I hope that you had a wonderful day! :cheers:

I'm sorry to have missed the day itself, but happy anniversary all the same! :cheers:

I'm sorry to have missed the day itself, but happy anniversary all the same! :cheers:

I'm sorry to have missed the day itself, but happy anniversary all the same! :cheers:

Aww, you lovely folks! Thank you for your concern and kind words shown in posts and PMs. I'm sorry to have been absent, and even more sorry if that has caused anyone to worry. I've fallen ill and have little energy at the moment, but I do wish to respond to each of you individually--it just may come in fits and starts given my current condition.

Happy birthday! I hope that you had a wonderful day, and that you've been doing well. :cheers:

Happy birthday! I hope that you're having an excellent day, and that some good ol' birthday luck will show up for you this week in the confidence pool! :cheers:

Belated birthday wishes--I hope that you had a wonderful celebration! :cheers:

Segue, I'm sorry to be so late with my wishes for you, but I do hope that you had a wonderful birthday! :cheers:

Happy anniversary! :cheers:

My apologies for being so late to celebrate your milestone...but I hope that you had a wonderful day all the same! :cheers:

I'm sorry to be so late, but I hope that you had a very happy birthday! :cheers:

Very belated birthday wishes to you--I hope that you had a great day! :cheers:

I'm sorry to have missed the day itself, but happy anniversary nevertheless! This place wouldn't be the same without your lovely presence :)

Very belated birthday wishes--I hope that you had a great day! :cheers: