I still remember how I felt throughout my childhood and young adult life at Christmas time like it were yesterday. Surrounded by my extended family, my stomach would churn with the distinct sickening feeling that came with intense fear and anxiety throughout my entire body. All I wanted was to escape my family, the farm, and, most of all, my abuser. Instead, I sat next to him in front of the Christmas tree with a smile on my face pretending everything was merry and bright. However, on the inside, nothing could be farther from the truth.
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