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the HERALD Pages- Community Tuesday December 24 Family Violence Despite a most difficult year theres lots to be thankful for ByJACIEB PALMER Herald Special I have always loved Christmas and this year is no exception I could hardly wait to get out a few Chnstams candles some table centres and then finally the tree The past 18 months have been very difficult for me and my family Some days I wondered If I would survive Now that is all past and we celebrate this season with childlike delight This year we cannot afford our annual holiday to Florida and the gifts will be sparse Vet we have so much to be thankful for We are together We have love We have learned and grown as in Mostly we have shared each others joys and sorrows Were a familylAnd weve pro ven well stick together through thick and thin We are Its hard to believe that this col umn has been running for six months now When I contacted the newspaper I wondered if The Herald would be interested in running a series of articles deal ing with abuse Certainly it is a problem in our commumtybut typically small town newspapers dont openly embrace such sub jects I give the editor and publisher credit for agreeing to give it a try To be honestl wondered if Id be able to consistently write ar tides My first attempt and all that Writing has not been easy and Im less critical of the press now Their job is difficult I know well how it feels to have a deadline for an article and to not feel like completing it Often Im not satisified with the wording but I know I have to be less of a perfectionist and just not pro crastinate HELP US HELP OURSELVES During the past six months I have heard from a number of in dividuals who were at odds with me over articles openly ed my writing or who called to encourage me to continueIm glad youre reading The most touching call came from a young mother Her 15 year old son had been reading the cle and asked her to listen as he read it to her The article was about rescuers and she said she envisioned her own life unfolding through the paragraphs of the tide As we talked she sounded shocked as I explained that the article was based on my own abusive relationship as were many other articles Finally she had found a kindred spirit Final ly she had found someone to understand how she felt She knew she was no longer alone I may never speak to her or any of the other callers again but I am glad if I have opened your eyes to your own abusive relationships Im pleased that I was able to listen and then to refer you to an appropriate agency Im delighted if just one person who lacked understanding of the issues surrounding abuse has had his or her eyes opened to this crisis in our society If just one of you has paused before retaliating verbally or otherwise against your spouse parent or child it has been worth the effort I am excited at what the future holds I look forward to 1992 and the thoughts which will meet as pen is put to paper Im very thankful for the opportunity to share with youlMerry Christmas to you alll Feel free to contact Jacle by directing letters to her attention at The Herald All cor will remain con Should you wish to speak to call the Distress Centre at and your call will be returned If you are a woman or child In crisis or an abusive male wanting the Distress Centre or dial APPLE VIZ WINDSHIELD REPAIRS We Handle All Insurance Claims On can lose a lot more than your licence drinking and driving a JlhaAttomoy Qontttl SAVE YOUR BODY NORTH END NISSAN Martin St Milton VIDEO PLUS West of Georgetown Fruit Market COMING THS WEEK JUST FOR YOUI- Seasons Greetings a A Happy New Year From the Management Staff Thanks or great EEK Georgetown Qnlarl WELCOME TO HALTON HILLS Ml AVI Mil FOR Mi YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS Read All The Local News In Home of Hilton Hilts Established mi POMPEI PIZZERIA u i SUBS to Wed SI oil or medium and oil large and PICK UP ONLY The Georgetown community I he Austin fimlly or left to right Donni Linn Mitthew Mlchiel and Bill They moved lo Georgetown three weeks ago from Pickering Courtesy of fine businesses and Cathy Dooley Boiler BRAMPTON MEMORIAL GARDENS Rd West Serving Families Complete Traditional Burial Sefaces InHome Counselling Service On Request Saloons FoiHats Sparking Tiaras Serpentine Streamers Whether s a party for I or Stop by see us today Noise Makers Napkins Plates TaHecovers Haste Cutlery Let 90 Main St S Georgetown A ft THE CORPORATION OF THE Town of Halton Hills 1 Halton Hills Drive Box 128 HALTON Georgetown Ontario L70 5G2 CHRISTMAS REFUSE COLLECTION SCHEDULE PLEAS NOTE YOUR CHRISTMAS NEW YEARS REFUSE COLLECTION SCHEDULE Refuse normally collected on Christmas Day December 25 1991 will be picked up on Monday December 1 991 Refuse normally collected on Boxing Day Thursday December 26 1991 will be collected on the regular collection day Refuse normally collected on New Years Day Wednesday January 1 1 992 will be collected on Monday December 30 1991 Best Wishes to All Town of Halton Hills 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