"Daddy Why Couldn't You Love Me?"

About the Book

If you’re reading this book, I am assuming you either directly or indirectly have been affected by abuse. Perhaps you are living in the silence as I did for over four decades. If this is the case, this book is dedicated to you. I give you my sincere admonition to tell your story as many times as needed to move out of the darkness and into the light.

This book is the beginning of my journey in resurrecting my soul, mending my spirit, clearing my mind and opening up my heart.

May of 1996 will be forever etched as one of the darkest periods of my life. I was facing my second shoplifting charge, which resulted in me hitting rock bottom. For the first time in years I reached out to God asking for a second chance in life. Promising him if he granted this I would do everything humanly possible to make this world a better place than I found it. The healing process is hard and arduous. This book depicts the ups and downs, the mass confusion of finding yourself, healing your inner child, changing your toxic belief system and finding your purpose and passions. The key to unlocking the door to my future started with a journey into the past.

My motive for writing this book is to educate society on the dynamics of abuse and its lingering and cyclic nature. It is my hope that this book inspires other abuse victims to free themselves from the dreaded silence. Acknowledging the abuse is the first step in the healing process and breaking the silence opens the door to stopping abuse cycles.

About the Author

Since the fall of 1996 Cathy has set out to end child abuse. Cathy has overcome many trials in her life and is determined to help others overcome theirs. She started her crusade in her neighboring community as a volunteer for the Women and Children in Crisis Center. She has also spent countless hours with the Provo and South County Victim/Assistance Program, as well as B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse). For four years Cathy served as a child advocate for the Utah County Children’s Justice Center. As an advocate, Cathy helped many abused children build self-esteem and regain lost confidence. She supported them through court hearings as well. She was presented the Child Advocacy Award in 2001 by the Child Abuse Council.

As part of a victim empathy program she spent a year giving weekly presentations to troubled teen girls; most of whom had abusive pasts. Cathy strives to educate others about child abuse and its dynamics and lingering effects. She has given presentations on abuse at Utah Valley State College, Brigham Young University, and various support groups.

Aside from working with abused children Cathy, along with her husband Bob, serve as officers for the Utah State Firemen Association. Cathy spent eight years as an officer most recently serving as President of the Utah State Fire Ladies Auxiliary. During her tenure as an officer she helped raise nearly 100,000 dollars for the University of Utah Burn Center and Burn Camp in Salt Lake City.

She currently works as a treatment coordinator for teens in state custody/foster care helping prepare them for independent living.