Oh! I wanted to add.
The greatest gift that they gave to me was myself.
I was given that night the first glimpse of my own personal power which is the greatest gift I can give to everyone else. As I grow more empowered I am more able to help everyone in this world more effectively. A cripple cannot help a cripple walk. A strong person can.
Oh yeah! & yes I do help when I can... like other situations for example I am right now a student nursing assistant. Everyday I help residents walk/feed/change/dress & live. This is different. I believe Steve wrote about it..where the cycle of abuse begins is when there is a person who is afraid & someone out of naive compassion steps in to help. They inadvertently begin a cycle where no one wins & everyone loses. So don't get me wrong! I help everyday
with smiles & graciousness & joy.
However when I was abused I was none of that. ;p So.. you get the picture.