Poems

By Louise A. Stevens (Pineau)

Biography 

I am a 50 year old grandmother and mother of four. I have been married for 30 years. I was raised Roman Catholic and attended a Catholic school. I am a Franco-American Woman. My grandparents and my mother, Jeanne d'Arc Labbé, immigrated from St. Frederic, Quebec, Canada in 1921. My paternal grandfather, Ernest Pineau, was born and grew up in P.E.I.

 My life came crashing down in July of 2001. I could no longer keep my secret of being molested by my own grandfather.  I had never told anyone, not even my husband of 27 years.  I was diagnosed with an addiction to food and excessive exercise, depression, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and PTS (Post Traumatic Stress). With medication, therapy, and the support of my family my life has changed for the best.

 As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, it is now my passion to be able to "give back" in a way that would be meaningful to other survivors on their own healing journey. Making the shift from victim to survivor of incest of childhood abuse is not an easy path.  I know that the road to personal growth and fulfillment is an ongoing healing process. It is not the same for everyone; since we are all unique with our own experiences and needs. I have also learned that although it helps to have reached a place where one is reasonably stable and not in continuous crisis; our own life does not have to be "perfect" to make a difference in the life of someone else.

Link to poems:

The Night Before Each Day
Dear Grandfather
Food or Suicide