A summer to remember

The summer between 2nd and 3rd grade we moved to San Bernardino, California. My brothers and I loved this house. Our yard butted up against a large orange field and there was lots of room to run and play. My bedroom was in the front of the house and there were 2 very large windows, that if you didn't shut the curtains anything happening in the room could be seen. I thought at first this would prevent my dad from coming in my room to hurt me. It was not a deterrent though, he just kept the curtains closed and told me I was not allowed to open them.

That summer also brought some happy times. My mom's sister, her husband and her niece came from Washington state to visit. These memories are so precious to me. While they were here I was safe and I started developing a relationship with them, that in the years to come, would prove to be my saving grace.

While they were here we did things together, like other families did. We went to Disney Land and Knott's Berry Farm and for a while I could forget about the things that hurt. My aunt spent hours playing, making paper dolls and just spending time with me.  I cried and cried when the day came that they had to leave.  That night my dad visited my room again. When he finished and left my room I took my pillow and blanket back to the closet to sleep.