Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Voice For Victims
Good morning! I would like to thank Thersea Shammo for building my website for all to see the updates as I continue my nationwide journey. I would like to thank my follower. Spring is about here andI hope all of you are enjoying the weather. Please feel free to post any topic on this web page am open to many conversations and sharing expeirences with you. I spoke with Senator Dan Rutherfords office secretary and The Michelle Eppel Law ( Just the name of the public act number to make it easier for States to adopt the law in Illnois) should be finished by May. I will get to be there as The Govenor signs the law. If you need to talk to Senator Dan Rutherford hisphone number is 1-815-842-3632. I am so greatful to him and Polly Poskins from Illinois Coalitions Against Sexual Assault. If you would like the Illinois law where perpetrators pay lifetime, longterm care for victims you may call 1-217-753-4117 for a fax. Please enjoy this site and I hope to talk with you soon. Thanks ladydew/Michelle
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Congratulations, Michelle! I'm glad you have a website.
ReplyDeletePastor Brian
Good morning, Michelle! Yours is a calming voice of reason above a foaming sea of irrationality. I've sent your weblink to several friends for their perusal, also. Take care and revel in your current victory with the Illinois legislature and the many that are surely to follow.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I just want to say your website is beautiful! You are a beautiful person inside and out. Your support to those who need it is a blessing and great for the soul. You are an inspiration to everyone. Good luck with your Law and everything you do :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Michelle for what you have accomplished here in Illinois and as you move forward to make this law in all 50 states. I'd also like to thanks all of those who have been a part of this noble and necessary quest along with Michelle.
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank all of you for posting it means alot to me! You can follow the Michelle Eppel Law at www.ilga.gov under general assembly (first link) in search box just type in sb1429. You can follow along. I will be adding another news story for you to read it a few days... Have a great day! Michelle Thank you to the followers!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning! I will be on WMBD Peoria news. They are coming today for interview to bring awareness to victims that the law of perpetrators of rape, child molestaion, adult molestaiom Pay lifetime, longterm care for victims. I am sure this law will today or tomm. this law will help a woman, a child, or even a man. How I started this new law is when I got out of the hospital, hearing aides, medicines for life etc. Do not go off medicines I thought I accepted my rape and felt better on medications so I got off of them. Wrong idea! I landed back into hospital and told they are for lifetime. Any way I was so angry about the medical costs that I could not afford so I walked my streets raising 536 petions for this law. It did nothelp me which I knew but I chose to become a nationwide voice for victims so they do not end up on poverty to pay for their needs after a brutal crime committed upon you by a perpetrator, I just thought they should be responsible. I also got another law passed in Illinois to get files sealed from public records which has your name and address in it with the case. When I did research with with Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault I was told by a victim she was attacked again because of her record. I went up to my local Courthouse and sure enough I had to even pay for my copies of the crime, but there was my name address and case open to anyone to read. Unjust I thought! I wanted records sealed for privacy. That law passed as well. You may go back ant amount of years and have your files sealed by asking a judge to seal it free of charge! My file is sealed from the public now andI feel better about that because College students who study law use public records for their class I was told. When I first began I my journey for this law checking with States Attourney, Lawyers I had no hope. They just told me to get over it, and there was nothing I could do. Well LOL! I was hurt but thought I would just sleep on Capitol Hill until someone listened to me for help. Then I met Senator Dan Rutherfurd from my area and Springfield area. He was a God send! He believed in me I will never forget him! He then introduced me to Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault where together we lobbied, and I testified for these laws. I was overjoyed that Goverment had a heart for victims. The Current law where perpetrators pay lifetime care works and I think victims compensation does not pay for a lifetime. If you are raped, molestated, go to hospital and report the crime. You will be assigned an adovcate from Against Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault to be your moderator with detectives and police. Your rape kit is done in hospital and then just tell the advocate you want what is getting ready to be called The Michelle Eppel Act where the perpatrator pays you lifetime care under the privacy act so they do not know where you are and also for your protection ask for file to be sealed from public records. Please feel free to talk to me about anything or email me if you do not want to post or be anoymous. God Bless! Hope To hear from you! Michelle
ReplyDeleteWMBD called and they would rather wait until I meet with the Govenor to sign the Law which makes sense. That should be middle of April or beginning of May this year! I have been contacting shelters to hopefullyget in contact with me. I would love to talk and and it can be about any topics! I hope you all are well today! Ty Michelle
ReplyDeleteToday a child approached me
ReplyDeleteWith visual wounds I could see
As he glanced up and said:
"Help me please." I noticed his fresh
Opened wounds bleeding.
"My father hurt me today . . .
He beat me on my bed."
I reached deep inside of me
For the words to say
And silently I began to pray.
Dear God find me the strength
To not walk away
From a child living with
Abuse this very day . . .
Fresh bruises on his little face
Blood streaming
From his tiny nose
Adult handprints on his boyish chest
So fresh I could trace.
Dear God
Give me faith in my heart
With kind and healing words to say
To take the time to be there
And not just walking away . . .
Help me love this child as my own
To get him help the best I can
To get him away from the father
Who is the abusive man. By Michelle E.
Good morning! I just wanted to tell victims to report crime at hospital, and rape kit will be done there. You will have a advocate assigned to you as a mediator between police and yourself. You must report the crime of rape or molestation to hospital to have the lifetime, longterm care. The good thing by reporting it is you have an advocate to walk you through everything and do the paper work and you will qualify for the lifetime, longterm care. Please report the crime! Thanks Michelle
ReplyDeleteGood morning! I recieved word that calling the new is closer to being called The Michelle Eppel Law. In the full Senate the vote was 59-0. I am so honored. I will be Speaking with Dan Rutherfords Secertary at the Capitol today around 9:00 to see what step is next! Thanks Michelle Eppel
ReplyDeleteWhat a bittersweet time for you, Michelle. Success in your professional endeavours and then the passing of your mother. Be strong and pass along that strength and love of yours to others.
ReplyDeleteThank you David She will be missed very much... My heart aches as I know she would want me to be strong and carry on! Michelle Eppel
ReplyDeleteThis was a written article in Newspaper March 28, 2009.
ReplyDeleteThe Illinois Senate voted unanimousley in favor of renaming a current state law after Michelle Eppel, a victim rights advocate from Pontiac.
The law, originally put on the books in 2005, requires offenders to pay for a crime victim's long-term health care costs.
Senate Bill 1429, sponsored by state sen. Rutherford, R-Chenoa and approved Thursday, now heads to the House for further action.
Keep lighting the world with your smile and efforts, Michelle. The world needs heroes
ReplyDeleteDear David Thank you so much for coming back to the web sight... Always sogood to hear from you. I will know soon when the law passes into my name. I am excited, honored, and nervous, all at the same time! Hope to see you here again... hoping more join soon! Michelle
ReplyDeleteI would like to say hi! And thaks to my followers! Please feel free to post you do not need to put your name. I would love tohear from you! Michelle
ReplyDeleteMichelle!,
ReplyDeleteHow's life in that toddlin' town of Pontiac? Snow should be over otherwise this rain would be incredible....again. Hope all is well with you and yours. Please say hello to Henry and the rest of your family. Be well!
hi david... been busy this week getrting ahold od senators offices to sponsor me to get my law passed in their state.... Thanks so much for everything I will tell everyone hello... I think I will get more viewers when I do my next news interview on tv I can give give web page out to them.... soon michelle
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon! I have just finished contacting senators acoross the States to adopt The Michelle Eppel Law.... Pray we hear good news that they adopt it and pass it in their State for their victims. God Bless and have a good day! Michelle
ReplyDeleteHi! I would like to thank Paula Fick for the news interview she sent for this web page. When meeting the Govenor we will also post that as well... Ty...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Michelle to the new addition in your family! It is a wonderful life, isn't it? People and family move in and out of our lives in one way or another but we retain the memories. Life is really all about those memories.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning! Update I recieved a call yesterday and The Michelle Eppel Law is being voted on tomm. in house. The law already exists but we will know soon if they attach myname to it..... Ty David for message above! Michelle Eppel
ReplyDeletegood afternoon! The house is voting again April 23, I will post how it went on votes! I have also talked to legislatures out of State who are interested in adopting my rape law.... I will post more later where iam going after or before Kentucky Thanks
ReplyDeleteOnward and upward, Michelle! This is how successful campaigns are conducted.
ReplyDeleteThanks David! I heard from the Senator and law is closer to being named after me! I am honored! He will be in contact he said soon. He is a kind Senator and person... Your the best always checking in.... Makes me happy you care! Ty Michelle
ReplyDeleteGood morning, I have spoken to North Carolina, Kentucky, and Deleware! I am praying the law gets there as they would like to see the law in their State. I will post what day which should be soon as the law is called The Michelle Eppel Law. I should hear again next week.... Thanks Michelle. P/s The new law is working in Illinois!
ReplyDeleteI have heard from Delaware, North Carolina, and Kentucky.... only need 47 more! TY Michelle When I go to Kentucky I will be doing a book signing there as well as speaking and helping getting law proccessed there!
ReplyDeleteSome one emailed abut the url, and you do not need one just select profile for clicking on profile click on name and url or annoumously and hit post comment it then gives you letters to type in just type them in and click post comment two times and it will go through.... Anyone needing help please feel free to contact me! Thanks Michelle
ReplyDeleteHi! The Michelle Eppel Law passed yesterday! I am so honored that they did that for me! However it will be easier for other States to adopt the law from Illinois! I just love good news don't you?
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I appreciate your heartfelt poems, they are powerful. Congratulations on the passing of "The Michelle Eppel Law". Medical costs should be the responsibility of the offender. Your contribution to getting victims names removed from public records is another great accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteMay you have success in getting "The Michelle Eppel Law" passed in the remaining states quickly. Be strong, be well and keep up the good fight of faith. Sincerely, Patsy
Dear patsy thank you so much for your u=inspiration, and I to hope it goes quickly! I promise I will be strong, and use my faith daily that faith gets one through! God bless and thanks for coming here to post! Michelle
ReplyDeleteWay to Go MOM!!!! I am so proud of you! Keep being strong.. Good Luck the rest of the way...
ReplyDeleteGreat News! The Michelle Eppel Law is on Govenors desk to be signed! From the story in papers I have heard from victims and my law will help them with resitution! How wonderful that makes me that they will be taken care of! Michelle
ReplyDeleteabove I meant how wonderful that makes me feel that they are covered! ty Michelle
ReplyDeletecongradulations Michele, Great job
ReplyDeletecongradulations mom!! your doing a great job keep up the good work jaxons proud of his grandma. love you
ReplyDeleteAnother state another win! Your doing a great job and helping so many people in the process. Your an Angel!
ReplyDeletethank you jeanine! Michelle
ReplyDeleteI will be meeting with Govenor for signing of the Michelle Eppel Law in about two weeks! I will keep you informed! Ty Michelle
ReplyDeleteGood Morning! Govenor signed The Michelle Eppel Law Monday Afternoon! I am honored! I'm going to be traveling to other States to get law nationwide! December I start at Kentucky... Coming Fast! TY friends for yor comments and prayers! You keep me going!
ReplyDeleteIn addition to any other penalty prescribed by law an dany restion ordered under this section that did not include long-term physical health care costs, the court may upon conviction of ant misdemeanor or felony, order a defendent to pay restitution to a victim in accorandace with this provision of this subsection (f-1) if the victim has suffered physical injury as a result of the the offense that is reasonably proable to require or has reqiured long-term physical health health care for more than 3 months. As used in this subsection (f-1) "longterm physical care" includes mental health care.
ReplyDeleteThe victim's estimate of long term-term physical health care costs may be as a part of a victim inpact statement under section 6 of of the rights of crime victims and witness act or made seperately, the court shall enter the long-term physical health care care restitution order at the time of sentencing. An order of restitution made under this subsection (f-1) shall fix a monthly amount to be paid by the defendent for as long-term physical health care of the victim is required as a a result of the offense. Theorder may exceed the length of any sentence imposed upon the defendent for crimal actvity. The court shall include as a special finding in the judgement of conviction its as determination of monthly cost of life-term physical health care.
After a sentencing order has been entered, the court may from time to time, on the petion of either the defendent or the victim, or upon its own motion, enter an order for restitution for long-term physical care or modify the existing order for restitution for long-term physical care as to the amount of monthly payments. Any modifaction of the order shall be based only upon a substantional change of cirucmstances related to the cost of long-term physical health care or finacial condition of either the defendent or victim. The petition shall be filed as part of the orginal criminal docket.
In addition to sentences provided for in sections 11-19. 2, 11-20.1, 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, 12-15, and 12-16 of the crimanal code of 1961, the court may order any person who isconvicted of violating any of those sections or who was charged with any of those offenses and which charge was reduced to another charge as a result of a plea aggreement under section "d" of this section to meet all or any portion of the fincial obligations of treatment, including but not limited to medical, psychiatric, or rehabilitative treatment or pschyological counseling, precsribed for the victim or victims of the offense.
If the court shall find that the defendent has failed to make restion and that the failure is not wilful, the court may impose an additional period of time within which to make restition. The length of additional period shall not be more than 2 years. The court shall retain all of the incidents of the orginal sentence, including the authority to modify or enlarge the conditions, and revoke or further modify the sentence if the conditions of payment are violated during the addtional period.
The court may require the defendent to apply the balance of cash bond, after payment of court costs any fine that may be imposed to the payment of restition
Taking into consideration the ability of the defendent to pay, including any real or personal property or anty assets of the defendent. The court shall be paid in single payment or in installments. This is the michelle eppel law but you must report crime to hospital and be given an advocate from Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for all your needs!
Hello! I need to fiqure how to spread this site! Any ideas? Ty Michelle
ReplyDelete" Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthend, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
ReplyDeleteMichelle
What is right for one soul may not be right for another. It means having to stand on your own and do something strange in the eyes of others. Eileen Caddy
ReplyDeleteWe don't see things as they are we see them as we are. Anis Nin
ReplyDeleteMy Heart Keeps Beating
ReplyDeleteMornings filled with fear,
Days filled with worry
Nights sleepless
Life endless
Mind cluttered,
My heart keeps beating.
Strength no longer remains
Weakness devours my soul,
Breath rapid
Skin pale
Bones fraile.
My heart keeps beating.
Family scarce
Friends few
Eyes closed
Hands folded
Mouth dry
Tears I cry,
My heart keeps beating.
Thoughts fill with prayer.
My mornings fill with joy.
My day's fill with light.
My nights fill with peace.
My life endless.
My mind soars.
My heart keeps Beating . . . Author Michelle on all poetry writings.
"What you thought before has led to every choice you have made, and this adds up to you at this moment. If you want to change who you are physically, mentally, and spiritually, you will you will have to change what you think."
ReplyDelete"To often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Author Unknown
ReplyDeleteWE only go around once. There is really no time to be afraid,so stop. Try something you never tried. Teach it. Do it. Risk it. Author: Jon Blais
ReplyDeleteHere Is Some Uplifiting Sayings For Your Self-Esteem!
ReplyDeleteLend yourself to others, but give yourself to yourself.
ReplyDeleteI Am My Own Best Friend
"We have to learn to be our own best friend because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst ememies." Author Unknown
I Am Worthy
Your problem is your'e . . . to busy holding onto your unworthiness." Ram Dass
I Believe In My Dreams
"Don't let anyone steal your dream. It is your dream, not theirs." Dan Zadra
I Am Remarable
"Don't live down to you expectations, goout and do something remarkable." Wendy Wassertein
I Don't Let Others Bring Me Down
"Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality." Les Brown
I like Who I am
"The things we hate about ourselves are not more real than the thing's we like about ourselfs." Ellen Goodmen
I Recognize The Jewel Within
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson
I Enjoy The Journey Of Life
"Don't let life discover you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was." Richard Evans
I no longer Judge Myself
"It took a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eye's." Sally Field
I will be going to Kentucky soon to get law there and am very nervous. I have a friend traveling with me....So I think I will be ok...I just need a bit of support and security.
ReplyDeleteThis gloomy weather is hard on depression, but we have Winter coming on. I'll tell you whatI did.... After my rape and diving so blindly into an abusive relationship, I was angry at God for letting the rape happening, later I thought I guess to I am greatful I was found by the police or I may of ended up dead. I stayed angry for a good 20 year's, never going to church, praying, did not even give it a thought if I was or was not a believer. I had alot of sadness and raising two children alone with the help of my parent's was not a great situation we had alot of Drama within the house. One day a neighbor came down having faith in me as no one else did, nor did anyone else care or help. She talked to me about a Christian church for me to attend... I said no about 4 times she confronted me. One day I finally had the energy to go with her to a Christian church. This is terrible but I watched people praising by raising their hands to Jesus, I laughed inside and thought oh boy! What have I got myself into now. I left not enjoying anything but the music. Amazingly I thought about all I expeirenced in that church, the Pastor's way of preaching and all those who praised Jesus all week long. To my surprise the next Sunday came I still was depressed, and took some time to get out of my bed, but I did, and guess what? I got dressed and went back to the Christian Church myself I just had to have more. I sang my heart out to the live rock and roll band, and listened ever so close to the Pastor's preaching. I kept going my depression along with medication for life I began to feel some happiness.... I finallybecame a member. I converted from Catholic to Christian and even became baptized. Istill attend Sundays and my Spirit is soaring! I joined two Bible studies. You know what? Next lesson is on forgiveness. I will break because I thought I forgave my rapist but I did and have not. I thought about missing that class, but what help will it bring me to miss? It is best to forgive those who persecute against us I know that. I know I will break and cry as I tell my Story. It has been 28 year's and I have lived within the rape for tyhat long and angry for that long. It may be nice to forgive by learning how to fo0rgive. I tried in prayer but I just could not get out. So Please pray for me this next week.... AsI pray for all victims. Do you forgive your rapist, or molestor....? Please let me know your thoughts on this. Do you attend church, and does it help? Alot coming up.... Take Care and I hope I get some responses....Thanks....Michelle
Winter Rapist
ReplyDeleteWinter near
A reminder of my deepest fear.
Rape memories surface ahead
I am a survivor, thankful I am dead.
My Depression get's worse on winter day's
My post-traumatic stress disorder never fade's.
I try all I can to not fall to deep,
But all I do is weep, and feel very weak.
I am strong in Spring, Summer and Fall
One slight reminder is my hearing aide's
From the beatings to my head without I can't hear at all.
During these Season's I don't think of that
Of the rape so much, only wish the rapist was
Still in Jail.
To forgive is what the Bible said
But just why? I can't get it through my head.
I have a heart of gold, so I am told,
Yet all around the nation my story is beginning to be told.
Daily I pray my mission is finished for victims before I am to old. Author Michelle Eppel
I daily pray my mission
Believe In Yourself
ReplyDelete"Life is not easy for any of us.
But what of that?
We must have perserverance and above all
confidence in ourselves.
We must believe we are gifted
something and that this thing
must be attained." Author Unknown
You Are A Unlimited Being
"Argue for your limitation and sure enough,
They are yours." Richard Bach
The Choice Is Yours
"Weather you think you can or think
you can't= you are right." Henry Ford
Hold Your Head Up High
"Never bend your head. Hold it high.
Look the world straight in the eye." Helen Keller
Build Self Confidence
ReplyDelete"Confidence is contagious
so it is a lack of confidence." Author Unknown
Out Of The Comfort Zone
"The best way to gain self-control
is to do what you are afraid to do."
Author Unknown
Prayer Creates A New Path
ReplyDelete"Prayer creates a path where there is none, and turns your stumbling blocks into building blocks." Author Unknown
"Courage Is Not Abscence Of Fear"
Put your faith,and not your fears in charge.
Courage isn't the abscence of fears buthow you wrestle with them . . . Author Unknown
"Embrace The Future"
If you are busy hugging onto the past
you can't embrace to the future,
Don't let the past kidnapp your future."
Author Unkown
Author" Ted Kennedy
ReplyDeleteThe Future Will Outlast Us
"We know the future will outlast us all
But I believe all of us will live on like
we can rise to challenge the future we make."
I have seen throughout my life how we as people
can rise to a challenge, embrace change and renew our destiny."
Never Take Ourselves To Seriously
"We have learned that it is important to take issues seriously, but never to take ourselves
to seriously."
There Is No Safety
"There is no safety in hiding."
I recognize my own shortcomings-the the faults in the conduct ofmy private life. I realize that I alone that I alone am resonsible for them, and I am the one who must confront them.
I believe that each of usas individuals must not struggle to make a better world, but to make ourselves better to."
Hope Still Lives
"The work still goes on, the cause endures,
the hope still lives and dreams never die."
Pencil In Quiet Time
ReplyDeleteEach and every day sit awhile without television, without magazines, without internet, just be!
Author Unknown
Accept What You Cannot Change
Don't waste your precious time, energy, or thoughts on something that is out of your control. Let it go.
Author Unknown
Way's To Be Happy During Depression
ReplyDelete"Enjoy your company, embrace everything about you! Without a doubt it is the most important step to being a happy person." Author Unnknown
"Smiling relases serotonin in the brain, which instantaneously gives youa lift." Author Unknown
Expect a Miriacle
" Believe that something wonderful will happen for you today. The universe is waiting to shower happy blessings to you." Author Unknown
PRAY
Research shows that people who are spitritual tend to be happier and healthier than those who are not.
Laugh At Your Shortcomings
"We all make mistakes; none of us is perfect.
Forgive your inperfections, accept your faults.
and laugh!" Author Unknown
Count Your Blessings Daily
"Gratitude, the emotion of thankfulness is one of the key ingredents for living a happy life, make gratitude a habit, and happiness will be yours." Author Unknown
Say Good Job!
"Give yourself permission to pat yourself on your back. Recognize your accomplishments and positive Qualities." Author Unknown
Last Week I talked to you about forgiveness in my Bible Study, and it iscoming up next week. to forget is easy to forgive is hard. I will share with you what I learned, and how I practice forgiving my rapist as for now I look at it as impossible. I shall learn.... what to do....but I think I will need alot of help. By going to church as a Christian or whatever religion y ou choose is truly a blessing. I have learned so much and as the quoate above it does make you a happier person during your healing process. If you are not ready yet, that is ok to.... But it is something to think about! God forgives every sin we do or commit, should we be God like? Should we bless those who persecute us? Bless those who curse us? In the bible it states yes.... Hard to comprehend but I think in class and as Chritian, and gentle, humble person I am going to give it a shot explaining my every step to you....
ReplyDeletePsalm 91 VS 9:10
ReplyDelete"If you make the Most High your dwelling-
even the Lord who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
Pslam Verse 40 1-17
ReplyDeleteThis helps me!
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand,
he put a new song in my mouth
a hymn of praise to our God
Many will see and fear
and put their trust into the Lord.
Blessed is the man
who makes the Lord his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn away from false Gods
Many Lord my God
are the woners you have done
The things you planned for us
No one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell them,
they would be to many to declare,
sacrafice and offering you did not desire
but my ears you have peirced
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
Then I said "Here I am I have come-
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, Oh my God;
your law is within my heart."
I proclaim righteosness in the great assembly,
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, Oh Lord.
I do not hide my righteosness in my heart."
I speak of your faithfulness and and salvation.
I do not conceal you love and your truth
from the great assembly.
Do not withold your mercy from me, Oh Lord;
may tour love and your truth always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs on my head,
and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased, oh Lord, to save me;
O Lord, come quickly to help me.
May all who seek take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me. "Agh! Agh!"
be appalled at their own shame.
But may all who seek you
rejoice and glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say.
"The Lord be exalted!"
Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
you are my help and deliverer;
Oh my God, do not delay.
Pslam 55 VS 1-8
ReplyDeleteListen to my prayer, Oh Lord
donot ignore my plea;
hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
at the voice of my enemy,
at the stares of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering upon me
and revile me in their anger.
My heart is in anquish within me;
the terrors of death assail me.
fear and trembling have beset me;
horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, "Oh that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and rest-
I would flee far away
and stay in the desert;
"I would hurry to my place of shelter,
far from the tempest and storm."
This is how I felt after my rape
I just wanted to hide
had those stair at me
whisper behind my back
treated like a freak
I wanted to run forever!
To view the Michelle Eppel Law go to public act 096-o218. Senate Bill 1429. To view law go to 094-0397 HB0701. Go to site www.Ilga.Gov you van see it there, Ty Michelle
ReplyDeleteKeep At It
ReplyDelete"Be fearless and flourish!
Author: Rick Benetyeau
Failure Leads To Big Wins
"Iv'e missed more than 9,000 shots in my career
I've lost almost 30 games. 26 times been trusted to take the game winning shotand missed. I've failed the winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over, and over again in my life and that is why I suceed."
Author: Michael Jorden
Don't Buy Into Failure
"I can't believe in failure. It's not failure if you enjoyed the process."
Author: Ophra Winfrey
Doubts About Traitors
"Our doubts are traitors, and make us loose the good we often might win, by fearing to attempt."
Author: William Shakesphere
Keep On Trying
" There is no failure except in no longer trying."
Author: Elbert Hubbar
Fail Greatly
" Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."
Author: Robert Kennedy
Failure Leads To Big Wins
"Making your mark in the on world is hard. If it were easy , everbody would do it. But it's not not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not wheather you advoid this failure, because you won't. It's weather you let it harden or shame you into action, or wheather you learn from it;
Weather you choose to let in harden or shame you into enaction, or weather you learn from it; wheather you choose to perservire."
Author: Barack Obamba
Grow From Your losses
"A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triuimps, like life itself."
Author: May Sarton
"Dont fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things."
Author: Unknown
Learn From Your Mistakes
"Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from success."
Author: John Dewey
Never Loose Enthusiasm
"We learn wisdom from failure much more than from success. We often dscover what will do, by finding out what you are not going to do; and proably he who never made a mistake never made a discovery.
Author: Unknown
"We learn wisdom from failure much mre than success. We often discover what will do, by finding out what we are not going to do; and proably he who never makde a mistake never made a discovery.
Author: Unknown
Never Loose Enthusiasm
" Success consits of going from failure to failure without loss of enthsiasm."
Author: Winston Churchill
"Admitting error clears the score, and proves your wiser than before."
Author: Arthur Guiterman
Focus On Where You Are Going
"Forget past mistakes, forget failures. Forget everything except what you're going to do now and do it."
Auther: William Durant
Another Chance
"If you have made mistakes there is alwaus another chance for you. You mauy have a freh start at any moment you choose for this thing we call "failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down.
Author: Mary Rickford
" What looks like a loss may be the way the veryevent which is subsequently responsible for helping to produce the major achivement of your life."
Author: Shirley D Blotenick
"We learn from failures mch more than success, We often discover what will do, by finding out what will not do; an proably he who nevermade a mistake never made a discovery.
Author: Samual Smiles
I myself fail alot I learn from it and move on! Until I make another. I appreciate what I learn from mistakes, and will try not to do it again! I hope these help you! Michelle
Cheer Up!
ReplyDelete"Take your mind off the problems for a moment, and focus on the positive possibilites consider how very much your are able to do."
"Turn your attention for awhile away from the worries and anxieties. Remind yourself of all your many blessngs."
" The direction of your focus is the direction your life will move. Let yourself move toward what is good, valuable, strong, and true."
"Look up confidently toward the highest vision you can imagine. The moment you do, your'e on your way."
A journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step. Chinese proverb
ReplyDeleteTo achieve great things you have first to believe in it! Arsene Wenger
My Story Of My Rape
ReplyDeleteI was walking home from my cousin's birthday party when all of a sudden I felt a hand around my neck and then 4-5 blows to my head. I woke up being dragged across the road tearing my bluejeans, cutting my skin. My perpertrator through me into his truck and the light was on I saw all my blood, and alot dripping from my head! He held me by the hair, so I could not move. He took me to a country road,and turned the truck off. He got out to go to the bathroom and I got out of passanger side and began running. I ran so fast I heard inside my head my breathing and my heart beating, and it felt like I was running in slow motion. He caught up to me began beating me more, and hung to tight to me all the way back to the truck. He threw me in the truck and raped me three times as I fought for my life, but that only caused him to beat me more. (I was hysterical)
Then he told me we were out of gas and needed to walk to his work place. He grabbed ahold of me by both arms and he made me walk one and half miles and then we reached his workplace. He unlocked the door, and he began to order me with his commands and I denied. He beat me more, and raped me again. He then commanded me to do thing's. I asked him if he was going to kill me, and he said, (I'll never forget his tone and look) "Why not I have nothing better else to do." I was so hysterical and afraid I followed his commands. All of a sudden I saw car light's, and half undressed I ran outside only finding myself at gunpoint infront of an officer hysterically screaming for help. The officer approached me and saw the blood and I how I looked he then put the gun down, and he told me to get in the car. I did so. The officer went after the peretrator and he was half dressed and the officer had to tell him several times to get dressed and get into in the car. My Gosh! I had to ride with perpetrator because it was a County cop. We got to police station and I made report. They had me call my dad and he came to get me at the station. We went home and he called lawyer. I just wanted a bath. The lawyer said go to hospital. Mom and dad and I went to hospital and I was given tranqulizers to calm me down. I was also given a pill to abort a pregnancy if I got pregnant. ( I found out about the pill later.) Soon during my rape test dectives came into the room getting information from me about the perpatrator. After my examination I put on different clthes because they needed to keep my clothes as evidence. I missed my favorite coat and jeans but they were ripped. I went home with my parents got took a bath. I looked at a razor and looked at my wrist and wanted to just kill myself. I looked at that razor three times thinking of the same thing. I just did want to live through it. My eyes black and blue, injuries to my head, cuts on my body and marks on my chest, just made me sick. I was raised Catholic and I think that is was saved my life, because we are not to kill ourselves as a Catholic, and that was one of the ten commandments. They finally caught him, and only charged him six months in jail. The Judge back then said if he was not a alcholic he would not of raped me. Unjust! I was angry! He received free medications, free counseling, and free A.A. treatments in jail. I had hospitalizations after the rape, counceling, hearing aide's because he damaged my nerves in the back of my head, and no surgeries could fix the nerve damages, and I had to get pschy. visits monthly to get my longterm medications and I fell to poverty for awhile. I am now out of poverty, but did want others to fall like I had to fall to poverty for help to get better. Remember this happened to me year's back . . . Today it would of been considered kidnapping and rape in first degree. So that is my story of my rape. Now I am working nationwide to get The Michelle Eppel law passed in every State. I'm leaving to Kentucky December second and third to give speech and begin my law in Kentucky. The New law does not help me, it is my gift to victims.
To view the Michelle Eppel Law please view www.ilga.gov Public Act 096-0218 SB1429 To view law go to Public Act 094-0397. View pages bottom of page 4-6. To recieve The Michelle Eppel Law You must report the crime at the hospital and rape kit done there. A Advocate from ADV/SAS will be assighned to you even through the Court System. I wish I would of had an advocate so please report the crime. Ty Michelle
ReplyDeleteI do want you to know I would not of been able to this law without the help and support of Senator Dan Rutherford/Pontiac Ill, and Springfield Illinois. Norwithout the help of ICASA in Springfield, Illinois. I am working with Coalitions across the States.
ReplyDeleteI did lobby at the Capitol with help of ICASA, I testified as to why I wanted this law at the Capitol. I did T.V. News, Talk Radio Shows, Newspaper Stories to bring awareness of what I was doing! I hope all this helps. Please email me at adv0cate4u@yahoo.com or feel free to post. My email also is on front page of site. God Bless Michelle
Prayer For A Child Who Has Been Molested
ReplyDeleteMost loving God
he/she has been severly wounded,
hurt beyond words
with the betrayel of trust,
physical, violence, and abuse,
and the absence of love;
bless him/her
with the abundance of your love
and with the support of your loving people
who will heal the wounds
restore the confidence, and trust,
and teach, him/her
to love again
in the name of Jesus Christ.
Vienna Cobb Anderson
Prayer For All Who have Been Abused
You choose, o loving God
to enter this world
quietly, humbly, and as an outcast.
Hear our prayers
on behalf of all those who are abused;
For children
who suffer at the hands
of parents whom they trust and love;
for spouses
beaten and destroyed
by the very one
who promised to love
and cherish them forever;
for all the people
ignored, hated, and cheated,
by the neighbor who could be the closest one
to offer your love.
Hear the cry of the oppressed
let the fire of your spirit fill their hearts
with the power of vision, and hope.
Grant them empowerment to act,
that may not be passive victims
of violence and hatered.
Fulfill for them the promises you have made,
that their lives may be transformed
and oppression ended.
Turn the hearts of the oppressor on to you
that their living may be changed
by forgiving love,
and their abusive actions
and oppressive ways brought to an end.
Vienna Cobb Anderson
Prayer For Those Who Have Been Raped
Compassionate God, mother of all,
we beseech you look with compassion
upon all women who have been raped.
Bless them with tender friends,
gentle moments of laughter in their
lives, and a renewed sense of trust in relationships of love.
Vienna Cobb Anderson
Prayer For Those Who Have Suffered Trauma
Most merciful God
bless all who have suffered trauma
in their lives.
Support them with love
during their time of scock.
Grace them with peace
as they wrestle with the challenges
of each day.
Sustain them with hope
as they prepare for the days ahead.
Vienna Cobb Anderson
Hello! Thank you for Kentucky Coalition! They gave me a online rape crisis link. You can use it in the United Kindom as Well. Here it is!
ReplyDeletehttps://ohl.rain.org./online.rain.org
the correct link https://ohl.rainn.org/online.rainn.org sorry abot that, this is the one youwill want to use ty michelle
ReplyDeleteWay to go Michelle. Wake them up in Kentucky!! You go, girl.
ReplyDeleteTy for you inspiration! It means alot to me Jan! I just finished my speech for Kentucky hope all goes well, it will be here before I know it! My flight leaves Dec. 2nd and I'll be back the 3rd. I will be sure to have this updated andhopefully some addaed pictures. Ty again . . . You Are great! Ty Michelle
ReplyDeleteWAY TO GO GRANDMA! SAVING KIDS TO! I'M 10 YEARS OLD.
ReplyDeleteHi! As promised I finished the course forgiveness it was and is very hard. I only have one person to forgive, but having a hard time. Can you guess who? Yes my perpatrator! Should I forgive his mental illness and the mental illness he gave to me? Believe it or not I am trying to forgive him so I can find peace within. In this class I learned that consequences of unforgiveness are depression, bitterness and negativity, hurt those around you, physical, spiritual and emotional sickness, lonlieness! Gosh! I think I have everyone of those symptoms and I want to get rid of them, how do I do it? Well I learned Benifits of forgiveness are, freedom to move on, healing, antidote for resentment and anger, and then the situation has no longer control of me! I want this for myself so I am working slowly at it, I cry, I get angry, etc then I stop until I am ready to go a little further.
ReplyDeleteI learned forgiveness is not a feeling, minimizing the offense, condoning the other person's behavior, trusting the other person, or letting them off the hook, expecting an apology, or forgetting. I learned forgiveness is life-changing, a decision only I can make, and I am praying alot to God about it. Even though I am a Christian, attending church it still is hard to forgive, but I will make it even if takes me a year! I learned obeying God "For if you forgive men/woman when they sin against you, your heavenly Father forgives your sins" "Matthew6:14-15. Boy that sounded great! I want to be forgiven for all my sins. I looked this up in Bible and I saw it and felt relieved, and I decided I must forgive because I have sinned and want forgiven. I learned I will gain freedom and release, it is a process. Beware of false doubt. Living in a higher realm Deuteronomy 28:13. I learned to take responsibilty for my actions and attitudes. I learned the process of forgiving is ask God to forgive me for my sins, transfer hurts and offenses I've been carrying, turn the other person over to God. I learned forgiveness is liberating, like how do I know if I've really forgiven? I learned first to receive God's forgiveness. " Matthew 11:28, For the Lord so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. I began and deeper than before I really have invited Jesus Christ into my life and am working at my pace that is good with me to forgive because I want all those things that are good. I am going to read Hosea because there is alot of forgiveness information in his section. Last of all I learned "He who creates changes in people's heart is hard at work creating a change in my heart. In the end we learned there is no denying that forgiveness is difficult thing to deal with. It's hard to forgive someone who has hurt you so deeply. But most people who have been successful in forgiving will tell you it's worth the effort. I learned so much and it is alot to take in but I think I will have a spiritual counselor or another counselor help me through this. Perhap's you may want to as well, it is a good part of are healing. I just never knew this part of healing until I took the class in forgiveness! God Bless! I know I'll never forget but I will work on forgiving to be set free! Ty
Quoates For Hard Times
ReplyDelete"As we strive to make it
throgh difficult times,
hearing the wisdom of those
who have struuggled, questioned,
and dreamed before us can
make the the journey easier.
Author Unknown
"We must accept finite disappoinmentment
but we must never loose infinite hope."
Author: Martin Luther King
"Just as despair can come to only
those from other human beings.
Hope to, can be given to one
from other human beings , hope
to can be given to one only
by other human beings."
Author: Elie Weiser
"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
Author: Japenese Proverb
"Prosperity is not without
many fears and disasters; and
adversity is not without comforts
and hopes."
Author: Francis Bacon
"Problems are not stop signs,
they are guidelines."
Author Robert Shuller
"We must embrace pain and
burn it as fuel for our
all are jorney's."
Hi! Just finished radio program today in Bloomington Illinois, 94.9 I will be getting a copy and hope to burn it here on sight so you can hear the interview. TY
ReplyDeleteMany victims suffer from
ReplyDeleteptsd, rr-ptsd and rape tramua syndrome, ocd, did, eating disorders, self injury, self blame, panic attacks, flashbacks, memory and ptsd, body memories, sleeping disorders, and physical symptoms.
If it becomes severe acute stress disorder symptoms are:
Feeling numb and detached, like being in a daze or a dream, or feeling that the world is strange is unreal. Difficulty remembering important parts of the assault.
Reliving the assault through the repeated thoughts, memories, or nightmares.
Avoidance of things, places, thoughts, feelings that remind the victim of the assault.
Anxiety or increased arousal, difficulty sleeping,concentrating, etc.
What are some early reactions to sexual assaults?
"In the first few days and weeks following the assault, it is very normal for a victim to experience intense and sometimes unpredictable
emotions. The victim may have repeated strong memories of the event that are difficult to ignore, and nightmares are not uncommon. Victims also report having trouble concentrating and sleeping, and they may feel jumpy or on edge. While these inital reactions are normal and expected, some victims may experience severe, highly disruptive symptoms that make it incredibly difficult to function in the first month following the assault." If you have these symptoms olease seek help.
Hi Your last post was very interesting
ReplyDeleteHi! Alicia, Thank you for posting, hope it helps someone! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi! My trip to Kentucky went great. I spoke infront of 500 people or more I did not think I would make itbecause I was nervous! But Idid. A very emotional expiernce. The room full of tears, clapping as I spoke which inspired me, and I recieved a standing novation I cried then lol! The Coalition were full of great ladies, and very kind people that talked and thanked me doing what I was doing. It made me feel like I had alot of support. It was all in all a wonderful trip. My speech lasted about one hour and I could of gone on longer. I am praying Kentucky will adopt my law into their State. The President said I may be back again, I hope so! I have heard from pennslvania and New York. So Ihope I venture there next! Ty I ty for my friend deb Kirgan for going along with me as my supporter and friend! You should of seen the rooms. Beautiful and we joked around about being two little princesses in that room. LOL
ReplyDeleteIf angencies need me to speak about my expeirence, my journey about getting the Michelle Eppel Law etc. I am available. Ty Michelle Eppel
ReplyDeleteHi! I want to wish all of you who visit this sight a very Blessed, and Merry christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Be watching for more stories from victims and survivors! This will hopefully help you in your journey of healing. You are not alone! TY! Hugs to all of you!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteMichelle I have been reading your post again and it really brave and strong of you to do what you do to tell your story. I notice you says "you are not alone" I and trying to believe that.
I am so afraid of saying the truth about my past.
Thanks for the hugs & Ty
Bye
alicia
Alicia, Ty! We are never alone, though it feels like it! You have grown alot and I am so proud of you! It is scarey to talk about the incident, however you can heal, and become a survivor ifyou open up to a counselor. You are doing awesome! Look forward to chatting on adv0cate4u@yahoo.com I have been so busy with Holidays.I am happy thing's are settling down so we catch up. Hugs!!!! Always! You are a great person getting stronger everyday! You can do it! Happy New Year's Day! Love ya!
ReplyDeletecongradulations Michelle! I am following your law! Kentucky sounded great! Heep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteInteresting how can one let go of the past when it there the pain the sadness?
ReplyDeleteI wonder how can one heal from that......
Hi! Liz! It is very hard to let go of the past it is such a part of who we are and who have become. I truly can say you can learn coping skills in counseling or support groups and talk about it to someone you trust. I have not let go of the past but I learned how to cope through it everytime it comes up as a reminder from sights, smells, taste, etc. We just have to fight the past and live for the future. As Victims or survivors we have alot to offer. I plan to let go . . . I go to church and join bible studies on forgiveness, and let go of the past. When we let go we will free! Fo you read? Books are available on this topic of letting go! Ty for writing. Please feel free to write again anytime! The pain and sadness are normal until we grow with help from a proffessional. I am sorry you are hurting bad. I honestly have good days and bad days, but withhelp the better days are coming! It is a sad thing what happened to us! Very painful as well. Take care and lets talk again!
ReplyDeleteHere is how I felt after my rape and very sad.
ReplyDeleteDay Dreaming
As I sit at the table staring out the window
I think about my life in my stages: I feel
lost, I feel numb, and empty inside,
trying to find a piece of hope to cope.
As a bird flies down to eat a seed upon the ground I remember empty stages of mylife
when all inside felt lost. I always stared out
the window day dreaming of something nice. I then felt a piece of hope to cope, a memory of how to cope. My heart pounds fast as I run my race, skipping rather than staying at a even pace. I felt like I ran from State to State, searching everywhere for a comfortable place. My chest feels tight, my body aches, I feel like I have been in a fight, but I know I will not break, for day dreaming is my greatest escape. Thought's of happiness andsadness flow through my mind and thenI loose track of time. Peace flows through me as I solve this puzzle of mine. I feel quite comfortable inside, I feel dreams come true, problems solved with a piece of mind. I know my life will survive:
Day dreaming keeps me alive. By Michelle Eppel
After Getting One Year Counseling
ReplyDelete"0n Angels' Wings"
Darkness turns to light.
Branches on the trees are bare.
Summer is gone, Winter is near.
Sunlight begin's to appear.
The branches sway without their
leaves.
Angel's pass spreading their
wing's
Sending God's light and love to
all living thing's. The bare
branches dance joy
The bird's begin to sing.
Lo! A life has been touched by
By an angel's gentle breeze.
By Michelle
Hey there,
ReplyDeleteI am short on words today.
It is just paining the memories.
Which gets me so mad.
You are doing such a great job reaching out sharing that's real power and determination to survive.
Hi Liz! I am a 31 year old survivor and50 years old. Ty for compliment. I kept a journal of everyday andsoon it began helping when I just wrote and wrote and did not think of anything pretty soon my experience of the rape came up and out. Anger is a normal thing to go through after your expeirence. I hated the world after mine. Never trusted, feared everything etc. I acted out my anger I did not keep it in, I went to counseling, cried my days away, my nights etc. Then I decided that it was my determination to fight for justice. Not getting justice is what made me mad. He pleaded a plea agreement and got less time. Now with my law even if a perpatrator does a plea he still has to pay lifetime care. I want to thank you for support Liz! But we must be determined to heal but we never forget it it which makes me angry and sad. Ty Michelle
ReplyDeleteTwelve Steps Toward Freedom Of Depression
ReplyDeleteLaugh
Sweat (work out)
Eat the right stuff
Sleep is crucial to sanity
Light up (durin winter use more lights, burn candles.
Realy on friends (support)
Get involved ( With something you believe in, Join an organization, voulnteer etc.)
Keep a gradititude jornal ( raises energy levels, improves heatlh , releases pain)
Go to thearpy ( Make yourself go)
Work on your thoughts (untwist your distorted thoughts)
Pray or meditate
Surrender (This takes time)
From Home Health And Emotional Health)
From Home Health And Emotional Health
ReplyDeleteTen Quoates For a Broken Heart
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have
patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them every day begin the anew task.
Author Unknown
" A pearl is a beautiful that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear (that results)
from the injury of the oyster.
The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life, If we have been wounded, if we have not been injured then we won't produce the pearl.)
Author Stephen Hoeller
" Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
Author Thich Nhat Hanh
" Good humor is a tonic for the mind and body, it is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a buisness asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It enlightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contement."
Author Greenville Kleisser
"Character cannot be develped in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and sufferring can the soul be strengthend, ambition inspired and success achieved"
Author Helen Keller
" Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our own consciences, but shouts in our pain. It is his megaphone to house a deaf world"
Author C.S. Lewis
"The greatest degree of inner tranquilty comes from the development of love and compassion. The more care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well being"
Author Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th
Dalai Lama
"What you thought before has led to every choice you have made, and this addsus up to
youat this moment. If you want to change who you are physically, mentally, and spiritually, you will have to change what you think"
Author Dr. Patrick Gentempo
"Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime, therefore , we are saved by hope. Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history. Therefore, we are saved by faith.
Nothing we do , however virtuous can be accomplished alone. Therefore we are saved by love. No virtous act is quiet as virtous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own. Therfore, we are saved by the final form of love which is to be forgiveness"
Author Reinhold Niebuhr
"To often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential turn a life around"
Auithor Leo Buscaglia