After a mere four hours of sleep, I was on my way to the airport with twelve co-workers. We were about to spend the next three days together in Ohio, relaxing and enjoying the excitement of thrilling coasters at Cedar Point Amusement park. .
Since my body was craving more sleep, all my thoughts were focused on how quickly I could spot my seat and recuperate during the brief flight. The plane was not even half full, so the thought of a whole row to myself was very inviting.
As everyone anxiously boarded our flight, my boss handed me a book she thought I might want to read. Little did she know that I am not much of a casual reader. Regardless, I kindly accepted the book and began to glance through it, as I anxiously stood in the line, ready to board. To my surprise, the cover immediately captivated me. Looking at the picture of a young boy's face with no emotion and eyes with complete emptiness caught my attention. Every ounce of tiredness my body once had, had vanished. Before the plane had reached the runway, my heart was reaching out to Dave Pelzer, who was sharing his unbelievable life story of abuse and survival with his book, A Child Called It. .
Mr. Pelzer's book gripped my heart and mind to a point that I never thought a book could. I immediately went on to read the rest of his mesmerizing trilogy, The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave. Once his tragic, yet inspiring autobiography came to an end, questions in my mind had just begun. What triggers child abuse? Why do so many cases fall by the way side? What are successful ways to help these innocent victims? These questions and concerns probed me to become more active with psychology and children. I have always been passionate about both, but thanks to Mr. Pelzer, I have opened my eyes and heart a little wider. Who knew that waiting in line for a flight could be such a life altering experience? .
