Regina LaFrance
AUTHOR
Author REGINA LAFRANCE has come a long way since her native homeland, a small village in Portugal. A place she called home until tragedy struck. Her semi-autographical novel, SHAYLA, is a depiction of what happened and draws from her direct experience—deep-rooted wounds and trauma that has followed her into adulthood.
SHAYLA is Regina’s sharing, and hope, for others who have been molested and suffered from abuse. Passionate in her perseverance and resolve of this issue, Regina speaks to the realities of child sexual abuse—escalating at an alarming rate. Her intention for writing this book is to increase awareness, and her public outcry, to parents raising children; in her mission to identify when a child is in fear of speaking up. And to prevent the unthinkable from happening to our precious young and innocent.
SHAYLA is Regina’s story, in more ways than one. It is up to the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Introducing SHAYLA. More than a book release, it represents a cathartic one for Regina, her emotional release, having come full circle—since the tragic events occurred, when her youth would be forever shattered.
Her story.
Her sharing.
Her ultimate letting go.
To be free from her pain, shame and suffering.
As part of her healing, SHAYLA is Regina’s way forward to finding peace, happiness and closure. Regina lives in North Carolina with her husband, Dan; both transplants from Boston.
Next to the United States and Canada, SHAYLA will be further published in Portugal and Brazil.
Letter of Forgiveness to Shayla’s father, who forced her to take music lessons with the village priest as a little girl.
Letter of Forgiveness to the priest, so she could be finally free from her haunted past.
TO MY DEAREST FATHER:
“I am sincerely sorry I was not the daughter who you wanted me to become. Father, please understand I was severely injured to the point that I could not make a sound. I tried to speak but words could not come out of my mouth. I could not speak about my injury. I was threatened to stay silent. I carried this pain in my heart for years. I apologize it took me so long to come out and tell you. I was embarrassed because I made decisions of which you were not proud.
Many years ago, you had your perception of me which was completely wrong. You thought I became a defiant and a rebellious young lady. However, I was paralyzed with fear, pain, and depression. I am sorry that you have passed away not knowing the person I have become today. I cherish every moment we shared together. You were a wonderful father, provider, and mentor. I am so thankful I had you in my childhood years. Believe it or not father, I am still your ladybug. I am here to confess my wrongs to you. I should have told you about my injuries. I am so sorry father, that my actions have caused you pain and shame. I honor you until we meet again father. I love you.”
TO THE PRIEST:
“You were a monster, a barbaric pedophile and a coward. You no longer have any power over this onetime defenseless child. You were a cruel man who enjoyed hurting a child for your own sexual pleasure. And yet, through it all, I still forgive you. I release the painful ties of these dark secrets and embrace my emotional freedom.”