I Won't Forgive What You Did (38 page)

After three years’ study and obtaining a diploma in nursing, Alfie has worked his way up to team leader. He now manages a team of staff who care for children who have mental-health needs. Alfie has a lovely two-bedroom flat, and when Melli, who is now nearly thirteen, comes to see her daddy, she has her own bedroom ready and waiting. We have been lucky enough that since she was seven years old she has been flying over from Copenhagen, on her own, and spending every Christmas, Easter and summer holidays with us. She is athletic, and an amazing swimmer, and despite our enforced absences we have a very relaxed and close relationship with her.

I cannot finish without mentioning Lynne Barrett-Lee, notable published author and my collaborator in the writing of this book. Lynne is extremely funny, making me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry, showing me great respect, compassion and sensitivity throughout. Her resoluteness, energy and commitment to making sure every word, every sentence, every meaning was as I wanted it to be, even when I and/or she had written and rewritten it many times before, is to be endorsed as rare; only a few like her exist.

Faith Scott, April 2010

Because it does.

It matters, because you stole what was

Only mine to give

To the right person

At the right time.

It matters because what you did to me

Affected how I saw myself

And how others saw me too.

It matters because of what I was denied

Then and now.

It matters – and don’t let anyone

Least of all you

Think that it doesn’t.

It matters that today

Children are still unseen and unheard and

That Judges and the law of the land

Blame them for what others

Have done to them.

IT MATTERS – and it always will!

Gillian (00), CIS’ters, May 2009

Sources of further information and help

Childline –
0800 1111

The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) –
0207 014 9955

The Priory Hospitals Group –
0845 277 4679

24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline –
0808 200 024711

CIS’ters – PO BOX119, Eastleigh, Hants SO50 92F