March 9th. It’s been one year. Today. I remember the dirty pavement. On my hands and knees, stunned, a group of women near me gasped. I ignored the flutter sensation up my arm, and paid …
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Once Upon a Fall: How I Became ‘Nearly Headless’
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81 Days Since My Life Was Saved
Emergency spinal surgery was 81 days ago (11.57 weeks) Home from acute rehab 66 days ago (9.43 weeks) Through this journey, my badass friends have helped me relearn to swallow, chew, talk, walk, sit, brush …
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Are You Ready to Roar with Me?
I am a one-percenter. No, not that one percent. This one: one percent of children who were trafficked for sex survive to adulthood. Even fewer of us thrive through the briars of the trauma to …
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Twenty Years to Find My Voice
Twenty years ago today, my friend and I were coming back down I-17, from northern AZ, and I had an allergic reaction as I drove; he slept. I knew I needed to pull off, but …
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For Me, Not Because of Him
Today is ten years since the man—who did everything to ruin my life—died. He was a senior pastor. We trusted him. I trusted him…until I feared him. He took my life. My soul. He left …
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Advocacy Out of Reach?
Four years, four months, four days ago. Everywhere I looked, the news, articles, social media, and tv, blasted the pictures of the two men who raped me and beckoned anyone who knew anything about them …
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The Man Women’s March Was For
Real talk. Today at the Kick at Darkness table, a man came up. He asked what we did. He was the fourth man I spoke to and I was excited how many male allies were …
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#ReturnTheLetter
I found a place for my letter. Yes, THAT letter. At the end of September, while everyone was gripped by the scenes of Dr Blasey Ford’s interrogation by a prosecutor from Maricopa County, AZ, I …
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Soiled Innocence
Today, oh what a dear blessing to my soul. I was able to visit the home my family lived in when I was 0-4. Southeast Portland (Woodstock). Marcia, a precious family friend who lived two …
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No Man’s Land
I was reminded today that some of my posts might imply I’m on the other side of the battle—risen and racing ferociously through to advocacy for survivors. Having it all together. Strong. Warrior. Clean post-battle …
BilliJoy 