2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

The subject of happy endings is raised and has Josie reflecting on her own experience. As grateful as she is to have her new, biological family, she still has issues bonding. Were you surprised to learn she’s still struggling or is she in the right place at this moment?

Josie is a tad stubborn and slow to let go. What Lila did to her will take years to undo and only Josie can struggle through this one day at a time.

I wasn't surprised that Josie is still struggling. The abuse she suffered hangs on to some degree forever. She is learning one day at a time that she can trust others.

My daughter had foster children who were abused. Her one son still hides food even though he is in his twenties and hasn't been denied food for more than 12 years. Child abuse leaves its mark.

Abuse like that Lila inflicted is in her bone marrow and brain. It takes years to retrain your mind to not “go there” first when triggering events arise. I think Josie is in the right place given it hasn’t been that long. With Lila dead, it creates a space for her to take a step forward in immersing herself with her true family. She will get there eventually but I wasn’t surprised.