AMITY, Maine — As balloons silently floated on the dusky horizon, Cheryl Williams had helped herself and others to take one more healing step. Roughly 40 people were in attendance.
“I was really shocked and surprised,” said Williams. “It was great to see that many people. It was probably standing room only.”
The Lighted Balloon event was held in the one-room Reed Schoolhouse in Amity.
Williams hosted the first-ever Lighted Balloon event in Amity on April 25 that concluded April’s National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Lighted Balloon event focused on child sexual abuse, of which, Williams is a victim, now speaking out.
Williams has authored a book called “Stolen Innocence: Let My Healing Begin.” It will be released in June, with a book signing in lat summer or early fall.
After the experience of the first Lighted Balloon, Williams knows it is something she wants to continue doing.
“It gave me the feeling that I was helping others,” she explained. “There were some who actually said to me later that they were also victims and it helped them. It helped me a lot too. It is just more healing as time goes on.”
Williams had her husband, Glenn, lead the event and he spoke briefly and introduced his wife to the stage.
“I spoke on the effects of childhood sexual assault,” Williams said. “I went over statistics and facts, as well.”
One of the more touching moments for Williams during the gathering was when her 7-year-old granddaughter Nevaeh stood at the microphone and read a portion of Chapter 20 of Williams’ manuscript, simply called Nevaeh.
“It was very, very touching to have my granddaughter read,” said Williams. “That paragraph … to have that little voice … she really wanted to be part of the event. At the end of my book when she was born, everything just seemed to come to a head for me. There were flashbacks that brought the whole issue out, which was a good thing because it was healing for the inner child.”
Williams’ publisher, Sharon Rose Bradley-Munn, publisher of Finally Free Promotions, read a poem written by Williams in the introduction of her book and then sang a song she had written titled “Things Aren’t Always As They Seem.”
Bradley-Munn also asked Williams to reflect on the portion she had read to the audience. After that, Bonnie Dickison of Aroostook Mental Health Center said a few words and then the event was closed out with the balloon release.
Williams said she has received positive feedback from hosting the event. The group mingled and had cupcakes with a frosted teal ribbon made by Williams’ daughter, Rachelle.
“My other daughter and son-in-law (Renee and Michael Gray) also came up to the event,” said Williams, “But, other than that, there was no other family. That is OK I have a lot of other people who are important to me and who will support me. ”
Hogan Tire contributed the helium for the balloons and Tammy Kerekes of Tammy Lea Photography took the photographs of the event.
Williams noted the town of Amity had its support behind the Lighted Balloon event, as well.
“I was moved by it all,” Williams said. “There was so much support. Actually when I was getting ready for it, it felt almost like getting ready for your wedding. That excitement and nervousness.”
