This is me with my youngest cousin.  I was 8 years old.  This is during the time that I was being sexually abused by my neighbors.  I have been triggered thinking about this.  I remember when this little boy was born.  It was when my abuse started.  And when I think about that little girl, just needing to get attention of any sort, it makes me want to cry.  And I am.  This little boy loved me very much, in fact his mother and I were the only two people who he would let hold him.  He wouldn't cry a bit if we held him.  He knew that I was good and safe.  And now it is time for me to tell myself that same thing.  I am good and safe.  I am loved and accepted.  I don't need to hunger for attention anymore, I have it.  I am not now and have never been bad or dirty.  It was not my fault.  It was not my fault.  It was not my fault!