ONWARDS AND UPWARDS : STORY OF SURVIVAL AND HOPE: A Childhood Memoir Northern Ireland in the 1960s

I have told my story in this book. WHY? Not for sympathy or to blame others but to bring HOPE to those suffering from traumatic memories. My message to you: - You can heal. Life can change. You can be free from all the pain and torment.

Trauma memories do not simply disappear through ignoring them or not acknowledging them. You must confront the pain, hold it, accept it and deal with it. Like holding a nettle until the sting disappears.

To act as a form of SUPPORT to family members. Meeting the needs of adult survivors who are coming to terms with their past, is a challenge. It can be difficult to imagine what exactly they are going through. However, with the right help, your loved ones can heal and recover. Be patient. Believe their story. Trust them and love them. Show care. Give them time. Encourage them to live. Do not over protect. Have expectations. The healing process can be slow but given time, they will recover. THERE IS HOPE.