Month: November 2023

It’s hard to describe what it feels like to relive the pain. Not the pain of being hit. After a while, abuse becomes just another part of life, pain you learn to live with. No, it’s very much more the pain of feeling so alone and vulnerable. You’re hurt, crying, and scared. And there is no one to protect you. The other women are just as scared. Even if you run to their house, there is every chance he will follow you there and then they will be potential victims too. As for the men, while they may try to Continue reading →

Growing up in Atlantic City in the 50s, the closest I came to greenery was Columbus Plaza. This was a one block square of grass, the occasional tree, and a very large statue of Christopher Columbus. Living in an all-Italian neighborhood, this was as close as we got to a national hero. Granted he didn’t sail under an Italian flag. And granted he didn’t claim lands for Italy, which didn’t really exist then. And sure, he never actually stood on North American soil. But as far as our parents were concerned, he was Italian, and he was a hero. So Continue reading →