Sanctuary

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My daughter,

You have been so brave, so strong, and I tried my best, but my best just wasn't good enough, and for this, I'm so sorry, but please understand, it's time for your father to get over what's happened, and forgive me for not being able to protect you or your brother, like the rest of them, too. It affected us all, but me more so.

And, I still hold myself responsible because your mother and I, knew your uncle was like this, and we placed it on the back burner and left it right in the front door. This will be so hard to release me from this conviction. I did not want to go shopping that day, but your mother insisted, and the whole time, this big wrenching knot just tore at me. I can't live this way anymore, and it's time I make amends with the past and let it go.

I love you, Dawnette, and Mom's not here anymore, to help me make sense out of it all, inside my head. I want you to know, it's haunted me for the past 22 years, and I need to breathe. Do you understand I was not going to let go of the story until you and your brother were ok with it? Thank you, my beautiful daughter! I love you more today, more than I did yesterday. And I'll love you even more tomorrow.

Love, Dad

Sanctuary Crawl into my sanctuary, And leave this world behind. Open up your heart, and let me in, Then close the door of your mind. Wrap yourself in my blanket, As dark as the ocean deep. Your tears gently sparkle, Like diamonds while you weep. I will hold you tightly with a hug, And protect you from all that's wrong. And when you long for comfort, I will bring you a Phoenix song. Don't cry, my flightless angel, Your Halo still shines bright. Together, we will find your wings, Then soon, you'll be in flight. So, tonight, please sleep peacefully, I know you are feeling weary. So rest, wrapped up inside my blanket, Inside my sanctuary. To my daughter, Tiphanie Dawnette

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Wilma Neels

Date: 7/23/2020 1:36:00 AM

This is a beautiful tribute. Blessings to you and yours

William Darnell Sr
Date: 7/24/2020 1:41:00 PM

Hello, Wilma. Why thank you, very much. Every word is from the center of my heart, for what 2 of my children went through. I've place me in self-confiction, and yes hold myself responsible for the actions I didn't take. 22 years and I turned my back to life alone, fell into the cesspool of drugs because I didn't like me. The very image is still embedded snd haunts me. But, I can't live this way any longer. I'm trying my hardest here, to forgive me. I've even tried writing a poem of the predator, and forgive him as well. But, there is no structure to it at all. Thank you oonce again, I had to stop a minute because of tears, I couldn't see to type. Best of Wishes, William

Doris Bounds

Date: 5/21/2020 3:32:00 PM

wow! I love this,spoken from the heart... a Dad's pain,open,now the healing will come my friend.......

William Darnell Sr
Date: 5/22/2020 6:24:00 PM

Thank you Doris. The poem itself I written about 2001, I believe, my daughter was still young. Now she is 28 and married. I've been tormented enough. It's healing time. Thank you for your encouraging words. Best of Wishes, William

Jc Hawkens

Date: 4/12/2020 4:09:00 AM

A most beautiful tribute, William. Bless your heart. May you find some peace. God Bless. I hope all is well. JC Hawkens

William Darnell Sr
Date: 4/12/2020 3:24:00 PM

JC Hawkens, the hardest by far, is to let it go. I do thank you and Ms. Becca and Line for the support in this self-discovery and tragic incident. Your words were spoken today with empathy and finesse'. Happy Easter and God Bless you. Best of Wishes, William

Becca Teagan

Date: 3/23/2020 9:18:00 AM

oh ... this made me cry :( What a beautiful poem. Sorry about what you went through. God bless.

William Darnell Sr
Date: 3/23/2020 9:46:00 AM

Thanks Becca, and it was a tragic event. I do thank you truly. I'm trying t write the story of it now. It's the only way I can find forgiveness for me. Your such a sweet lady and I thank God for people like yourself and Line because it really killed me inside. I just a segment about Self Discovery - Finding You! It's on my website if you still remember it and would like to read it. But it's a pathway for healing and forgiveness for me and repentance. to our Lord. I wish you all the best Becca and for the God to Bless you abundantly. Take care for now. Best of Wishes, William

Line Gauthier

Date: 3/6/2020 10:47:00 PM

A most poignant missive, William. Bless you.

William Darnell Sr
Date: 3/8/2020 1:19:00 AM

Line Gauthier, thank you so very much. It was a horrible situation we all went through. I have to let it go! It wasn't long ago, they all lost me and was left to Life Support for 3 weeks, losing 67% oxygen to the brain. My repentance means this much to me. Thank you, for your blessings, my friend. I pray our Lord, blesses you abundantly in ways beyond your dreams itself. Best of Wishes, William