OUR TRUTH: A Story of Survival

by Judi A. Schwab, Cherie L. Prater

At the tender ages of five and seven years old, sisters Judy and Cherie were removed from the loving home of their maternal grandparent's farm in Sycamore Illinois and put on a plane to go live in Southern California with their mother and soon to be stepfather; a sadistic perpetrator and child molester.

Violence, torture, sexual abuse, and the unconscionable acts of their mother would be the theme of their lives for the next eleven years. Even though they were physically separated from their grandparents, the grandparents never forgot their granddaughters. Their continuous love and devotion would be immeasurable and a catalyst to the girl's resilience and strong survival. This story reflects the worst and the best of humanity.

The sisters have shared their horrific story to help bring awareness to the ongoing crime of child abuse, along with encouraging other victims to speak their truth and begin the process of healing. Tragically, these criminal acts on children continue to happen today.

This powerful memoir was written by the younger sister Judi, along with a contributing chapter by the older sister Cherie. Both sisters are college graduates, had successful careers, and are happily married, loving mothers and grandmothers.

Genres: Nonfiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Harrowing Testament of Resilience and Survival
Our Truth: A Story of Survival by Judi A. Schwab and Cherie L. Prater is a powerful and deeply moving memoir that recounts the unimaginable abuse endured by two sisters and their extraordinary journey toward healing. Written with raw honesty and emotional clarity, the book offers an unflinching look into a traumatic past while celebrating the strength of familial love and personal resilience. It is both a heartbreaking and inspiring narrative, serving as a vital voice for survivors.

[Sharon Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Story

I wasn't sexually abused as a child, but there was abuse in every other way. This was a hard story to read at times. I hate what happened to these girls when they were barely past being toddlers! I am positive your Ole Gram is so very proud of how you were able to turn things around and be the ones in power!

[Elizabeth Sanguedolce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage Personified

Judi Schwab has carefully, painfully and masterfully written a memoir with the express purpose of helping others understand what child abuse does to the child and to others. She reached far into her memory for the material and crafted her book with sensitivity and love. Although I found the story horrifying, the real story is how Judi survived and thrived. She is making a huge contribution to the world with this book. Please read this book for your own understanding and share it with people you know. There are many resources listed at the end of the book for further information. I found Judi's references to counsel she received later greatly enhanced the story as it unfolded. She placed counseling insights at just the right spots in the narrative so the reader could learn different aspects of the abuser and the resulting effects.

[Bookdragon_Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was/is such a hard story to read. What those children endured is just beyond comprehension. How can any mother know these things and not care!? I don't cry very often while reading a book, but this had me in tears so many times. Judi and Cherie, and the younger brother and sister, words cannot express how sad I am that no one intervened and couldn't see yall hurting. I'm so angry that your own mother treated you so horrifically and allowed that man to continue his horrible abuse. I'm so grateful you all survived and became better versions than your "mother" and Henry ever were. I'm so thankful for you telling your story. You both have stepped up in ways that most abused children never can. You all deserve a special spot in Heaven, along with your Ole gram, for all the good you've done for others.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong Story, Stronger Survivors

This is a heart wrenching, compelling story of a family that betrayed its children by creating and enduring dysfunction and abuse. It's the story of a mother who was one merely in the biological sense for the most part! She didn't protect her children from the monster that she married. Instead she chose to stay with him and have children with him. She refused to see what was happening in her own home and the children, as is often the case, paid the price.
My heart ached especially for Judi and Cherie and all they went through. Their abuser (the stepfather, Henry) was a sick evil man and should have spent time in jail!
Judi, the author is a very good writer. Her story broke my heart and her strength inspired me!

[sjoyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful Truths!

This book is so full of truths and emotions. In addition to all the evils that Henry did, he also sounds like a pedophile. That Judi and Cherie grew up to be strong, loving women is amazing. It's what every survivor of physical, emotional and sexual abuse should have the opportunity to become. I wish all survivors and victims could read this book. The "Tools for Healing and Empowerment" are helpful for victims of every kind of abuse.

Thank God for grandparents. I, too, was raised by a strong, loving grandmother, as was many of my brothers, sister, and cousins!

[Stephanie Patrigani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so conflicted on rating this book.

I feel as though the premise is super important. I can assume this book was extremely cathartic for Ms. Schwab to write and it’s so important to get her voice and their truth out there. I am impressed with both of the sisters’ ability to not let their abuse define them and to be able to live happy, productive lives.

I struggle with the writing. It was often repetitive and I struggled with a lot of it. Yet the story is so important to be told and read, hence my conflicting feelings!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our truth

My heart broke as I read this book of abuse a mother did not help her children as she knew about what was happening to her daughters there grand parents were there life line and hope knowing they cared but did not know about there abuse under a very sick stepfather so glad that as they got older and had counseling they have better lives and had children they could love and they loved there parents.

[Alicia C Gephart Gephart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most compelling memoirs that I've read. However, it was hard to read at times due to the content. It is amazing how well these girls survived through what they went through as they became adults. God was clearly looking over them, as well as their grandparents which was their saving grace!

[Doris Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read if you were ever abused

Some of this is also my story. I felt every crack of that belt. I was the one in my family who suffered the abuse.

I felt the relief, and the terror, of the author when she was able to find loving shelter with her grandparents.

Survival after abuse is possible when one strives for it.

[Bridget Holbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

Very well written memoir! The author takes the reader through her childhood then teens years and how she suffered abuse by her stepfather. Her mother, who turned a blind eye to it! Her maternal grandparents were loving and nurturing. I wander though why her mom was the way she was having cone from a loving family?

[Jessie hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

compelling in its glimpse into abuse and dysfunction

This book is one that makes turning pages the thing you must do. It is sad and depressing but it keeps you locked in for the day that good overcomes the cruelty to make it a better world for the people involved.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

a story of triumph

Not a book one would “love” but Inspiring and challenging. It’s tempting to think this would never happen in your neighborhood or your church, but the statistics show it’s everywhere. Read to become more aware of signals that sexually abused girls display.

[Jill Miskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard book to read. The abuse Judi and Sheri endured was horrific. The way their mother treated them was devastating, to be not believed, to be not chosen, by a person who is supposed to love and protect you.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very difficult subject matter, but a book people need to be aware of. Too much of this goes on unnoticed or unreported. Let's become aware and help make a difference.

[Cherie Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to read book about important topic of child abuse.o hope this will help others who have been abused and made people more aware of abuse .

[Stephanie Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, yet a beautiful story of survival.

[Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and in depth to what the victims go through

[Kobie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrible story, beautifully told.