Smith’s books unveils horrors of child abuse

HUNTSVILLE – Michelle Smith has a prayer. She hopes by sharing her very personal story that she can help others realize that healing can come.

Michelle Smith has written “Dirty Family Secrets – one woman’s story of recovery from child abuse.” (CONTRIBUTED)

Smith, a local writer and author, hopes that healing materializes from her book, “Dirty Family Secrets – one woman’s story of recovery from child abuse.” In her memoir, Smith frankly tells her personal struggle of recovery and healing.

As a young child, Smith endured sexual, physical and emotional abuse “at the hands of my father and stepmother. The abuse I experienced affected my life choices, parenting skills, marriage, faith and professional life,” she said.

Furthermore, the scars of abuse impacted her ability “to trust others and to fully enjoy and embrace life.” By telling her life experiences in “Dirty Family Secrets,” Smith hopes “to help other women and men who have experienced similar abuse and encourage them that healing can come,” she said.

“The abuses I experienced as a little girl, affected my ability to trust others and to be able to truly enjoy life,” Smith said. “It caused me to be afraid and distrustful of men and to guard myself from opening up to others.”

After 40 years, Smith finally was able to make the decision “to deal with the residual effects of the abuse experienced. Through my faith in God, supportive husband and children and a very good psychiatrist, I finally found the courage to begin the journey of healing and recovery.”

Smith will host a book signing for “Dirty Family Secrets – one woman’s story of recovery from child abuse” on Nov. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Panera Bread in Bridge Street Town Centre, 6886 Governors West NW.