The Fourteenth Year - by Kelly Watt
The Fourteenth Year is a memoir narrated by a young girl whose unrelenting strength somehow carries her through the throes of an extinguished childhood. Her story begins as she attempts to reclaim control of her life from the steamy grip of her biological father. As she describes the exhausting legal process, the details of the past fourteen years unfold into the culminating showdown between a dad and a daughter.
For Kelly, life is dictated by a sexually and emotionally abusive father whose self-proclaimed deification demands subservience by all. No protection is offered by the emotionally detached mother, who does nothing to stop him. Their daughter must find a way to remain psychologically intact as the abuse worsens until eventually leaving the house or even watching television has a ?price tag?. While looking for safety, she discovers the plague of immorality and mental illness that motivates the behavior of the people in her environment .
She survives the moments that need surviving, with glimmering pieces of hope and memories that bring joy and a sense of direction to her troubled soul. She somehow knows beauty can emerge from tragedy and ultimately understands the influence one human being can have on a life. Whether their power be used for good or evil, the choice is up to the individual. She must now take that control and make the life for herself she knows is possible.
About Kelly Watt
Kelly Watt lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband and children. She works as a registered nurse and speaks at conferences and fund-raising events on the topic of child abuse whenever possible. She is actively engaged in raising awareness of this most sensitive issue.