Giving Thanks

For those of you who went against your parents wishes, you were ahead of your time. You did have a say in your life. Leaving you in an institution and never looking back, was heartless. You may have been rebellious, but you were not mental. Of course, over time you did go mad. Please know things have changed in these times. Most parents do not plan out their children's life. If they try, children are not committed because they disagree. For those of you who were locked away, please know it was not your fault. It was society's. You should have been the apple of someone's eye, not the monster in the attic. For some of you, unspeakable experiments were performed on you. There was no one to help you. Your family has never came to see you. Your objections were ignored. Soon, you just disappeared. No one asked questions. It was as if you never existed. That was until years later when your body was found in a mass grave.  For all of you, the treatment you sometimes received was horrific. Overcrowding, neglect and mistreatment were just a few examples of what you endured.  Eventually, these places were closed. It was too late for you. Your hardship has not been in vain. States have regulations now for mental facilities. The hope is to never have these experiences happen again. For those whose restless spirit still roam the darkened halls, your screams and cries can be heard. It is time for you to have peace beyond the white light that beckons you.