Dear Mr. Dominic,
My name is Linda and I'm from the Devereux RTC in Orlando. I was in the front row seat on Friday with the red hair. If you don't remember me well that's okay. I don't think I could ever forget you. You reached deep inside my heart further then almost anyone's words can go. I grew up in a very abusive home. I was physically and sexually abused by my dad and mom since the time I can remember on up till my dad killed himself on October 31, 1995. I was 10 then and I am now 16 years old. I am a girl who is very eager to get better and overcome my past and be a leader. Your words helped me tremendously, I just can't explain. I don't know if you will choose me to be a leader or if they thought I wasn't ready, but I will say, I will do whatever it takes to become a leader and a girl who makes progress, overcomes her past, and moves on toward the future. I have issues and I'm not at all perfect, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to go as far in progress as I possibly can. I listened to every word you said and until then I did not think that males went through abuse. I was hurt by a man who was supposed to protect me and my mom. They were my parents. I always thought it was my fault and I do have anger. This I'm working hard on as well. I hope this new program makes much progress. This I hope not just for me but for all the other hurting kids and teens. I hope we help each other instead of pulling each other down.
Thanks,
Linda
Age 16
P.S. Can't wait to see you again in January.

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