The pain of her past was too great, and Lea thought there was no way out. She perfected her disguise-the one that told others she had it all together, everything was great and she had no worries-and they believed her. But the truth didn't go away.
After being sexually abused when she was only five, Lea craved comfort, healing, and cleansing. But not even her mother, Sarah Mae, was capable of nurturing. Their only bond lay in keeping their own separate and dark secrets. Over time, Lea learned to internalize every ounce of her pain, hiding it from the world, but it tore her apart from the inside on a daily basis.
After many mistakes, taking the wrong path in several directions, being a single parent with her life in shambles most of the time, she continues to persevere. It isn't until her mother dies that Lea is finally brave enough to confront the past. Although she has no example of healthy, emotional expression, compassion, empathy or self-worth, she may have a chance to love if she's willing to learn and remove the mask.
Inspired by true events, Elephants at Thanksgiving highlights the serious and long-lasting effects of childhood trauma, family secrets, and the lack of unconditional love.
About the Author: Tish O'Rea counts music and writing as her top two passions. After graduating from Danville High School in Kentucky and attending Kentucky State University, she went on to become a radio personality. Her unique radio style landed her on-air shows as a respected broadcaster in Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.
Following a severe asthma attack in January 2016, O'Rea found her purpose and learned to appreciate every single day as though it might be her last. She went into acute respiratory failure and had to be resuscitated and intubated and then spent time healing in a medically induced coma. Today O'Rea is an inspirational speaker, does voice-overs, and emcees events. She lives in Kentucky.
