Gone to the Woods: Surviving Lost Childhood

Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood

by Gary Paulsen

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages

FREE

I was seven years old when I first ran away from home. I didn't go far, just to the woods behind our house. But it was enough to scare my parents into calling the police. The police found me quickly, and I was taken home. But I knew that I couldn't stay there. I was being abused and neglected, and I was desperate to escape.

I ran away again a few weeks later. This time, I went deeper into the woods. I found a small clearing and built a shelter out of branches and leaves. I lived in that shelter for several weeks, scavenging for food and water. I was lonely and scared, but I was also free.

Eventually, I was found again. This time, I was taken to a foster home. I lived in several different foster homes over the next few years. Some of them were good, and some of them were bad. But none of them felt like home.

When I was sixteen, I aged out of the foster care system. I was on my own, and I didn't know what to do. I couch surfed for a while, and then I found a job as a waitress. I worked hard and saved my money. Eventually, I was able to rent my own apartment.

I've been living on my own for several years now. I'm still healing from the trauma of my childhood, but I'm getting better every day. I'm grateful for the people who have helped me along the way, and I'm determined to make a good life for myself.

My story is not unique. There are millions of children who are abused and neglected every year. Many of them run away from home. Some of them are found and returned to their families. Others are not so lucky.

I wrote this book to share my story with others. I want people to know that they are not alone. I want them to know that there is hope. I want them to know that they can survive.

If you are being abused or neglected, please reach out for help. There are people who care about you and want to help you. You don't have to go through this alone.

Here are some resources that can help:

• The National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
• The National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY

You can also get help online at the following websites:

• The National Child Abuse Hotline: https://www.childhelp.org
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org
• The National Runaway Safeline: https://www.1800runaway.org

If you are a parent or caregiver, please be aware of the signs of child abuse and neglect. If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, please report it to the authorities.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children who are being abused and neglected.

Thank you for reading my story.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood

by Gary Paulsen

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages

FREE