Gitchie Girl

I don't know where to start with Gitchie Girl. It's a true story that took place in the 1970s. I found myself sobbing at the end of the book, so I don't know if that is a good recommendation or not. It is a truly incredible book. Why is it nonfiction seems so much more unbelievable than fiction? 

The book gets its name from a nickname applied to the main character of the story, a girl who underwent unbelievable trauma, only to be retraumatized by society. (Also, from Gitchie Manitou, the park where the atrocities occurred.) Why is that the way it goes? You go through something horrible — and bravely — and somehow survive and society decides they don't want anything to do with you. That's an ugly truth about how the world works. I found myself nodding along. That is my life. I even whined and asked God, "Where is my happy ending?" God's reply: "Your story isn't over yet." 

Young Sandra Cheskey during the trial.

But this story is not my life. This story is beyond anything I could ever imagine enduring. I won't spoil the book, but you can read a synopsis here. I felt a kinship with Sandra, the main character, right away. She was a kind and gentle soul who bravely endured unspeakable things. It nearly destroyed her. I believe all her prayers got her through somehow. Her personality is such that she must take care of those around her, but she needed the most help. And ourself is the hardest person to take care of, for some reason. I understand that. True to form, she eventually founded a no-kill animal shelter because it allowed her to take care of those who have no ability to take care of themselves. 

I recommend reading this book. It made me understand my life ain't so bad. From the very beginning, I felt that was the message God was trying to relay. Also, that life is very short (shorter for some than others) and we should not spend our precious days being angry or spiteful because we got a raw deal. This message was further driven home because on Father's Day I took my son to a local graveyard. (Don't ask; he's been asking to read the headstones for quite some time.) Looking at those graves, I realized I knew many of the names. Some I read the obituaries in the newspaper. Some I recall reading about their lives in old issues. Some were founding members of the community. Some barely got any time on earth. (Many graves were for children, some just a few days old.) Frontier life was harsh. But none of us get very long on this planet. To waste our time with unfruitful emotions such as self-pity (which I was told recently to let go of by a friend) or anger or spite is like kicking God in the shin. It's funny how we are just going along in life and feeling bad, and suddenly God hits you with a message you simply cannot ignore. How many of us got a wake-up call like that? 

The message of the book was to be thankful, Joshua. Be thankful for every moment God gives you on this planet, whether you are working, playing, or taking a nap (took one on Father's Day cus I'm that badass). And don't try to hasten your time here. You'll be gone soon enough, and forever. What's that saying? "Only one life; twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." Amen. 

I hope someone out there reads this book. It's a short book. It didn't take me long to read, probably because I was so engrossed. Maybe it was just me who needed to read it, but I think anyone who reads it will walk away feeling more grateful about their lives. And gratitude and thankfulness are where a lot of good things start. 

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My ex is also applying for jobs. It's a bit of a race to see who gets one first. (I supposed it would be her, since she has more impressive qualifications.) Indeed, she already got her first invitation for an interview. 

Thank you for reading, and God bless.

Click here for my new blog, None Dare Call It Treason.