I just watched the 20/20 show about Jaycee Dugard and found it quite insightful.  I didn’t live through any kidnapping or sexual abuse, but I totally understand that coping mechanism she spoke of.  Many “normal” people do not understand how someone could live in captivity without totally losing her mind.

As many of you know, my childhood was not a happy one so much.  But, those coping mechanisms kicked in very early in my life.  When my parents didn’t show me (or my next younger brother) love, I established an extremely loving relationship with my maternal grandmother.  After going to my fourth foster home, I was diagnosed by a therapist as being “emotionless.”  I had let all of the issues of life not affect me in the least.  Coping.  Not to mention that I was so absolutely scared to death of losing another family – of continuing with the “throw-away” life that had previously happened to me.

So, Jaycee – I get it.  I totally get it.  Until you are in a situation where you have to cope, you have no idea what it’s like.  Praise God Jaycee was able to find her way home to her mother.  Thank God for a mother who never gave up hope.  Thank God Jaycee is getting the theraputic help she SO deserves and needs.  I pray she becomes the successful survivor she thrives for …. I have.