Darkness To Dawn is a living testimony of how my inner strength helped me become a Domestic Abuse Overcomer. My name is Dawn Ursin, a 44- year old divorced mother of two teenage sons. Seven years ago, words from the lips of my mom, "You're going to shed many tears because of him." She warned me to stay away from who I thought was the love of my life. Those years have passed and now, through the Grace of God, I have found the strength to tell my story. Yes, I suffered in silence! I stopped believing in me, but most importantly I stopped loving me.The mirrors on my walls became the enemy because I couldn't recognize the woman looking back at me. Low self-esteem, self-hatred, and major heath battles were my foes as I took prescribed medications to numb the abuse. Today, the fake smile I wore for so many years is gone. I am an Overcomer of Domestic Violence and major health issues; but my life story as an abused woman on an emotional roller coaster leaves me grateful that through God's grace and mercy, I don't look like nor am I a product of what I've been through. My mother "Carrie Marie Wilson" was murdered by my stepfather's girlfriend, "Shirley Mae Flowers." She stalked and harassed my mother before breaking into my parent's home, and stabbing my mother to death with a six-inch knife and ice pick. She also set her body on fire trying to make it look like a house fire. July 14, 2003, will forever be etched in my memory. I had many lows: health issues, surgeries, low self-esteem, depression, self-medicating, and suicidal tendencies. Today, I am a woman of Strength, Class, and Elegance.
About the Author: Dawn W. Ursin born in New Orleans, LA. She grew up surrounded by her parents, sister, and brother. She was raised to appreciate family. After graduating from Plaquemine High School in Plaquemine, LA., she went on to graduate from West-Side Vocational School Nursing Program. She enjoys helping and inspiring others working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Strengthened by this story life experiences lead her to be a prominent pillar of the violence community. Not only limited to Domestic, but to the broadness of violence of every type. Here is a story of survival and faith that will change those who read it. She is a great writer who, after coming out of the storm had the ability to find her voice and inner strength. She was a tarnish penny turns shiny, new dime. She is both the written word and spoken voice of survival. This story, as a writer is her talent, her God given gift to shine. She does tireless work in her community to evoke change in not only women, but also each individual who is being exposed to violations. She is a divorced mother of two teenage sons Ja'Cardo and Ja'Carlos. She is active in her Church. She wrote this book to encourage men and women that they can Overcome Domestic Violence. She is an Overcomer of Domestic Violence, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Depression and Morbid Obesity.