Dianne Lowery

Metamorphosed Dianne Lowery

Metamorphosed. . . . Grace. . . We learn from life's experiences. Brief moments of highs, long hours of lows; Skipping through meadows, stumbling through valleys... We fall down tunnels and run off into ditches, Attempting to Climb mountains, Seeking to touch the moon. Life says "you won't... you cannot make it." God says "you can and and will make it." Some months ago, the subject of abuse dominated the news media like never before. As a female, it probably made many do as I did... think on why women would stay in situations that brought hurt and harm to them. Do we not know what special, beautiful creatures we are, deserving of and desiring to be cherished and treated with respect. Through listening to many conversations (relatives, friends), speakers on Network news, public radio commentaries and of course reading the comments on blogs; the question of why always appeared. I also began to reflect on my journey in life; two failed marriages should require at some point in one's life, an examination of why. I saw quickly what had been hiding for years. I, as a woman of intellect, well read, well spoken, and a woman of fortitude and faith had allowed myself to be a victim of abuse also. Maybe not a victim of physical abuse, but, definitely one of emotional and mental abuse. It was as if I had worn the tee-shirt of "Victim". Then was surprised when after the marriage, I became a participant of the cycle again.. So I began to research "My why and how". Why would I allow myself to struggle through and sometimes enable the person victimizing? How could I close my eyes to hurtful words and humiliation? Truly believing that it was all part of marriage; until it became too painful to bear. We are talking years, not months. But, this is not just about peeks into painful moments, but celebration of coming out of the stupor through poetry, prose and putting things wronged in their places through short scenes. Not everyone will "get" it, but I believe a lot of women will.