A Message…
First, I would like to say thank you and welcome to the many people who have logged on to this site to inquire about my book, send good wishes, and to share their experiences and hope. My intentions for this site were to do just that and I feel I am truly blessed when I log on and read how some of you can relate on a personal level and how powerful it is to know that you can turn your life around and come out whole. When we all share, we are all inspired.
On a side note I would like to say to those very, very few who have posted messages …shall we say… of a negative nature, this site is not for that. If you feel a need to be judgmental, don’t like what I have to say or doubt my words because you have read “somewhere” that I said something that appears a conflict, those comments simply will not be posted here. What I can say is that everything I post is the truth as I experienced it and at times I am simply not able to give more details because my agent won’t allow it due to the book. There is nothing more to say here except…more will be revealed.
Happily, so far, I have mostly read genuine comments from the heart. We know who we are and we know the truth when we hear it. I cannot tell you how moved I am when I read the words of a fellow survivor. It is an indescribable feeling of freedom, joy and yes, victory. Somehow, all the pain of the past flashes before my eyes and I know it was for a reason — it was for you. All of your voices, posted here on this simple site, tell me loud and clear that I am in the right place, doing the right thing and I thank you.
Peace and Blessings to you all.
Dawn
P.S. My new computer arrives next week and I will finally be able to post more often. Thank you.
December 16th, 2004 at 10:59 pm
I just found this site after watching the movie again….I can’t wait to read the book.
I see alot of myself in the movie It takes me back to being 15 and in the a similar relationship, I left the man and the pain in the past but sometimes it creeps up on me..
Have a blessed day,
Kitty
December 17th, 2004 at 1:52 am
Dawn-
I have often wondered if the site receives negative comments… I should say you instead of the site because you are the site … it is your life that is exposed to criticism.
To now know that there are those out there that feel compelled to even bother posting negative remarks saddens me. Your story and willingness to share it is remarkable. Words are hard to come by when I think of how much you’ve already done for me and now with this site so many others are able to connect with you.
When you read through the posts, how many begin with some version of….. I just saw the movie or heard about the book and searched the internet for you ….how many people are identifying with the drug abuse ….how many women have identified with your story and remember or can picture themselves in your place?
In just a few months, the numbers are already approaching countless ….and these are people that sought you out. They came looking for you and in return received the gift of hope.
To know that you’re not alone helps a person find their own inner strength and courage. Faith and hope are powerful, change and healing can only happen when you believe that it is possible. You once wrote these words to me…”Someone who understands what the hidden pain of hell in their own skin feels like.” …you were able to describe what I was feeling only because you had been there yourself. You told me that I deserved to walk in my skin a free woman, free of guilt and shame and remorse. Everyone needs to hear these words and to feel them.
It’s too easy to hide within yourself, to bury and deny fears and shame. To do so allows the negativity to win, to slowly kill who you really are or can be.
Just let go, breathe, be happy and love.
Enough of my going on and on….and on.
I’ll leave you with a quote that you posted months ago. These words renew my strength whenever I’m feeling defeated by the difficult and seemingly endless “road to recovery”.
“And then the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to bloom.” Anais Nin
I am forever grateful for the influence that you have had on my life. You can say that if you only help one person, then all the pain that you’ve experienced is worth it. To think of how many you have already in some way helped and then how many they have helped and of how many are yet to come….it’s overwhelming.
-Heather
December 18th, 2004 at 9:23 pm
Dawn, I want to start off by saying you were a very brave woman for doing the things you had to do or see. I’m very glad that everything turned out for the better. I know I saw at the end of the film that you remain very close to Sharon Holmes. I am so amazed at how she felt no hate for you and how she took you in during the wonderland events. I know she was also writing a book called “The Road through Wonderland”. Did you help in any way with that book?
I hope everyting is going well for you and Sharon. I look forward to reading both yours and Sharons book.
December 20th, 2004 at 8:29 pm
Hello,
Heather, you are so sweet and brave to come forward and be so supportive. My thoughts are with you always, as you know you are one of the people that caused me to approach the idea of this web log. To pass along the torch of hope is extremely powerful. May the chain never be broken.
Thanks also to those that support the book. Somehow it was reported that Sharon wrote a book called the “The Road Through Wonderland”, when actually that is the title of my book. Sharon is however a collaborator and supports my telling the story of our relationship during that time frame. Sharon is a very kind woman. We understand that by simply watching the Wonderland movie, it is extremely hard to put together our relationship, but I assure you that although it may be stranger than fiction, it is a human story that anyone can relate to — in one way or another.
Thanks,
Dawn
December 22nd, 2004 at 7:05 am
Dawn, I loved the movie Wonderland. I really felt for you in the portrayal. Did you think it was an accurate portrayl? Did you have a lot of input? Finally, PLEASE What is the name of your book and how soon can we buy it? Happy Holidays, Christine
February 22nd, 2005 at 1:02 pm
Dawn, I just want to say I really enjoyed the movie. I truly admire your strength after all that you have been through. I know it wasn’t easy to get, but you did it which give all women a little a bit of hope for a better life. I am really interested in reading your book that was mentioned at the end of the movie. Is that book out now? If so, what is it called? Please, i’m really interested in reading it. Thanks, Brandy
March 31st, 2005 at 8:04 pm
dawn-i just saw wonderland a few nights ago and have been desperatly trying to find the name and release date. i’ve searched the web high and low and have had no luck. please please please tell me where and when i can get it. thanks-andrea
August 6th, 2005 at 11:30 pm
hello, my name is Ralph am 26 years old and I live in NYC. I just found your website on a search. I was just watching the end of Wonderland and was really inspired to find your book. Where can I get it?
April 18th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Hi Dawn,
I just watched the movie “Wonderland” for a second time and although I was never part of any of this violence, I was very moved by the movie. I’m sorry to hear about everything that happened to you and I’m glad to hear now that you are doing quite well. I did notice at the end of the movie that you are writing a book. I also know the name of the book but I was wondering where I may find this book? Thanks for your help Dawn and I wish you and Sharon the best of luck!
January 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Hi Dawn!
I just had the chance to watch the movie “Wonderland” last night. It is one of my favorites. What an incredible story. Very well put together on the big screen. I must say I am truly touched with the wonderful things that I have read that you have done with your life. You are truly an inspiration. I have been looking for where I might be able to find your book, “The Road Through Wonderland” is it available to the public? I look forward to your response.
Thank you for sharing your experience’s!
Sincerely,
Tina
March 9th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I’ve been looking around for the book you wrote and haven’t found it anywhere. Where can I get it from?