Author Description

Dark days and darker nights of violence, squalor and child abuse are depicted in this little book. It is the true story of a family of ten children growing up in lower Alabama during the 1940's, 50's and 60's. The author, Ana, was the middle child and made clear her yearning to be loved and cared for. Instead, she received severe beatings, neglect and sexual abuse. In the beginning of the book Ana says, "Mama and Daddy, I'm going to tell on you." She does. Deprivation, neglect and abuse are horrible enough, but not having a sense of belonging is more devastating for a child. Over and over Ana's father would say, "You are no daughter of mine, you belong to that soldier boy!" Still, Ana was determined to have a better life. She had a spirit, a spirit of knowing that something would happen to effect a change. Little did she know that "that something" would be the mysterious death of her mother. As hurtful as it was, in time, Ana realized this was God's plan for her life. Ana and her three younger siblings were placed in an orphanage where they learned how to live as happy, civilized children. It was their opportunity to get out of hell! The children grabbed their chance at a better life so the horror story of their childhood ended forever. The cycle of abuse ended with them. -Mildred Nelson Holmes