It's Okay to Cry

August 20, 2012

photo of a girl blowing dandelions in a field

By Lauren Stephens, Children’s Advocate at Safe Harbor
 
In the children’s program at the shelter, we recently had two sisters, “Hannah” and “Sarah”, who had come to Safe Harbor with their mother after fleeing a dangerous domestic violence situation in their home. These two girls had not yet been given the opportunity to heal or to fully understand what happened with their father due to other situations that occurred in their transition. These two girls are beautiful examples of the differences that exist within the dynamic of sisters. They look so much alike externally, and even after going through identical traumatic situations, they both have learned to handle this trauma in completely different ways.

One day, Hannah was playing with a Jacob’s Ladder that I have in my office; I have found if you occupy a child’s hands, their ability to feel their emotions expands greatly.  As Hannah played with the Jacob’s Ladder, she said, “Can I ask you a question?” I responded, “You can ask me anything you want.” She then replied, with her head low, hands still busy, “Is it okay if I want to cry all the time?” I responded, saying, “It is completely okay to want to cry, and it is okay to cry. Crying is your body’s way of letting something go. The tears you cry is your body’s way of showing you that it is letting go of what makes you sad.”

At that point, she put down the Jacob’s ladder, looked up, tears filled in her eyes, and she cried.  I motioned to her mom to let her cry. Hannah cried, wiped her eyes with her arm and looked up at me again. I then asked her, “Do you feel better?” She responded with, “Yeah, I feel better.” Her sister then asked, “But, doesn’t crying make you a baby?” I said, “It absolutely does not make you a baby. Babies cry when they need everything done for them, because babies cannot talk yet.” They both sat in the club chair together in my office, nodding as I talked. I continued, saying, “Do you remember when we talked yesterday about biting?” Both nodded, and Sarah said, “Babies and dogs bite because they cannot talk; big kids can talk so they shouldn’t bite.” Their mom said, “That is exactly correct, Sarah, good job.” I then explained, “Babies cry for everything because they cannot talk. But big kids, teenagers, adults, grandparents…everybody cries when words are not enough to make them feel better. So, it is okay to cry, no matter how young or old you are.”

When a mother seeks services at Safe Harbor, she often wants to know, “Is my child okay?” My answer to them is always the same. “While you are here, you are healing. They are healing, too. You are making sure they are okay.”

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because...

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.

I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.

Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”

- Beth

GET INVOLVED

MAKE A GIFT


When you give to Safe Harbor, 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to our intervention services and prevention initiatives to break the cycle of domestic abuse in the Upstate of South Carolina. 

Donate Now

BOOK A SPEAKER


We are available to provide domestic abuse education and information about Safe Harbor’s services through speaking engagements, trainings, workshops and awareness campaigns.

SPEAKER REQUEST

 

 

SUPPORT OUR SHOP


Safe Harbor Resale Shop operates solely on donations from our generous community. Donations are tax deductible and make a difference in the lives of our clients.  

LEARN MORE

DONATE FURNITURE


Your donated furniture can support our clients as they transition out of our programs and start a new life, and can also raise money for Safe Harbor by going to our Resale Shop to be re-sold.

SCHEDULE A PICKUP

STAY IN TOUCH

Give us your email address and we will keep you up to date on the latest happenings at Safe Harbor.

Error Message