Childhood is often thought of as a time of innocence and joy.
Yet, for those who’ve endured abuse or neglect, these formative years can feel like a prison of pain and isolation. Recovering from such a past might seem insurmountable, but there are real-life examples proving that healing is possible and hope is real.
Diane Dalton’s story is a beautiful example of overcoming hurdles as a child. In her memoir Broken But Fixed, Diane recounts how her happy family soon spiraled into a childhood marred by trauma and abuse.
After losing both parents, Diane and her siblings were sent to an orphanage. But this refuge turned into a harsh, abusive environment. The housemother who oversaw her care inflicted both physical and emotional harm.
But instead of letting her pain consume her, Diane chose to reclaim her story, a story of strength, inspiration, and love’s redemptive power. Let’s learn how she did it.
Acknowledging the Past
One of the first steps toward healing is acknowledging and confronting the pain of an abusive childhood.
Suppressing memories or downplaying the abuse can delay the healing process. Diane’s story highlights how revisiting her past, even the darkest moments, allowed her to process her experiences.
By doing this, survivors can begin to see their pain not as a permanent wound but as a bad chapter in their story.
Drawing Strength From Positive Memories
In her helplessness, Diane found solace in the memories of her loving parents.
Remembering how her dad would be proud of her when she survives this gut-wrenching storm. Her memories with her family, protective sister, and father’s words became her anchor.
The slightest hope is what a young child needs to keep swimming through the sea of sorrows. Diane gathered happiness from every moment to sustain herself: the friendships and relationships she made and the career ladder she climbed.
In every dark moment, she found a glimmer of hope and followed it to the path of light. And so she gradually learned to fight the bad memories of the past and not let them spoil her future, her present.
Building a Support System
Healing is rarely a solitary journey. Diane’s sister, Sheila, became her protector during their struggles at the orphanage. For survivors, finding a trusted support system, whether through friends, family, therapy, or support groups, can be reassuring that they don’t have to face their past alone.
Reclaiming Your Power
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
—Romans 8:31
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
—Philippians 4:13
Abuse often strips individuals of their sense of control and worth. Reclaiming power means recognizing your own agency and the ability to rebuild your life. With faith as an anchor, survivors can find the courage to rise above their past.
Diane turned her pain into purpose, dedicating her life to ministry and helping others who felt broken. Through small victories and acts of self-compassion, survivors can rediscover their strength and worth.
Embracing Healing and Forgiveness
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting, nor does it always mean forgiving the abuser. For Diane, the process involved acknowledging her housemother’s deathbed apology, which gave her closure.
Forgiveness, when it feels right, is more about releasing the hold the past has on you than excusing the harm done.
Finding Purpose in Pain
Many survivors, like Diane, discover that their experiences helped them develop empathy and insight. Turning pain into purpose by helping others, sharing their story, or building a life rooted in kindness can be a powerful step toward healing.
Survivors like Diane Dalton remind us that no matter how dark the past, there is always a way forward.
If you’re on your own journey of healing, remember this:
You are not defined by what happened to you. You are defined by the strength it takes to rise above it.
Be a part of Diane’s journey in Broken But Fixed: The Diane Dalton Story.