Table of Contents

Title Page

Never Let Go

Never Let Go

by

Heather Holmes

Never Let Go

Copyright © 2025 Heather Holmes

First Edition: March 2025

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Any digital or electronic copy of this book may be shared freely for any non-profit purpose. All other rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in physical form via photocopying, printing, or other mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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The information in this book is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. Please see the appendix of resources at the end for more information or to access professional help.

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Cross the Teas and Dot the Eyes

South Carolina, USA

www.crosstheteas.org

For my grandmother,

Patricia Fern Holmes,

and for every child

who knows her pain.

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Something bad happened to you.

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It should not

have happened.

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It was not your fault.

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You did not do

anything wrong.

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You are a good person.

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You did not deserve that. You deserve so much better.

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Your heart is so, so strong.

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It’s okay to cry

when it hurts.

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But it’s okay to smile again, too!

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When you feel sad, give yourself a big, tight hug.

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Look in the mirror, and say, “I love you” even if you don’t mean it.

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You are worthy of love, even if you don’t feel like you are.

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You are not alone.

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You are more loved than you know.

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Someday, your world will fill with joy again.

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Your heart still has so much love to give to the world.

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Never let go of hope.

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Hope gives wings to your heart.

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Your future is brighter than you can imagine!

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I am glad you are here.

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I am so proud of you.

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I love you.

For Kids Who Need Help:

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Need someone to talk to? Contact Childhelp at 1-800-4-A CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or  www.childhelphotline.org. You can talk to a kind grown-up who will listen and help.

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If you're feeling upset or scared, you can text CONNECT to 686868 to talk to a helper from Kids Help Phone. You don’t have to say your name.

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Want to learn about big feelings and staying safe? www.sesamestreetincommunities.org has videos, games, and stories to help kids feel better and understand hard things.

For Parents and Caregivers Supporting a Healing Child:

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Child Mind Institute – www.childmind.org

Offers expert guidance on helping children heal from trauma with resources for caregivers.

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National Child Traumatic Stress Network – www.nctsn.org

Research-based resources for families navigating childhood trauma recovery.

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Stop It Now! – www.stopitnow.org – (888) 773-8368

Helps parents and caregivers recognize and respond to signs of child abuse and trauma.

For Adults Healing from PTSD and Child Abuse:

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RAINN – www.rainn.org – (800) 656-HOPE (4673)

Offers support for survivors of abuse and trauma, including a 24/7 hotline and online chat.

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The National Center for PTSD – www.ptsd.va.gov

Provides educational resources on PTSD, self-help tools, and professional guidance.

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Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) – www.ascasupport.org

A support network for adult survivors, including peer-led support groups and an online healing workbook.

Heather Holmes is from Charleston, SC. She is a single mom of 2 sons, who are 19 and 17. Her mother had bipolar disorder with paranoid schizophrenia.

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I wrote this book so that every hurt kid or wounded inner child would know that they are not alone. You have made my dreams come true by reading it.

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Your dreams will come true someday, too, if you never let go.

The sun rises every morning. Always.