Sixteen Years in Care

This book is about David Meader's childhood, 16 years of which were spent in institutional care. For much of his early adult life he wrestled with the consequences of that childhood. Those who looked after him during those years were kind, committed and caring and the quality of their care was exemplary. But most of all, they kept him safe. Certainly safer than any of the alternatives. So, this is not a book about child abuse suffered at the hands of paedophiles and predators who infiltrated state-run care settings at that time; but rather, a story of how David's intense feelings of rejection, pain and loneliness often resulted in periods of deep introspection, unhelpful internal dialogue and occasional outbursts of anger that left him confused and bewildered.

This book shows how he came through this struggle. And it demonstrates that a childhood spent in care does not have to lead to underachievement and a lifetime of unresolved pain. Difficulties and pain there were. But David demonstrates how these may be overcome. 16 Years in Care is especially for those who have been deeply wounded by their childhood experiences. For those who have lost all hope that their circumstances can change, or that they can recover a sense of self-worth and purpose.

For those who struggle with uncontrollable feelings of rejection and anger; for those who feel abandoned and confused; for those who feel unable to trust others and despise themselves for their failings. And for those who are in pain and have erected defences to protect themselves from ever being hurt again, while at the same time realising that those very defences rob them of the intimacy and freedom from fear that they desperately crave.