Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 3293

Tonight's special guest is Robert Stark from Thousand Oaks, California, making his first visit to NAASCA. Born in Chicago, he was terrified of his father and clung to his mother, who seemed be very loving, and safe. He had two younger siblings and at 9 years old the family moved to California. "Growing up my father was critical and raged infrequently," Robert says. "I was very afraid of him and avoided him whenever possible." He was strict, but not abusive. When he was 15, his 14 year old sister told their mother that their father had been sexually abusing her from 7 years old. "My mother told me, and it sickened me to my very core. I borrowed a .22 rifle from a friend because I was going to kill my father." But fortunately he didn't go through with it. "I was very shy through all my school years, and into my 20s. We moved frequently and I was always to new kid in the school. I got married at 21 and promptly had three children." He goes on, "I did not finish high school, but did get my GED while in the Navy." He goes on, "I married an Italian woman and was married for 27 years. She passed away last year. I've only been married once. She did not remarry, either. We were separated for 31 years when she passed." At 49 year old Robert found ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) and has been a member since. "ACA and the fellowship have been one of the best parts of my life. Most 98% of the people I associate with are from some 12step program." He's 81 now and his purpose in life is to be of service to men. Helping men to become the men God meant them to be." He concludes, "I have so many men in my life, that I never feel lonely. Men call me daily for help in their lives. I'm HONORED that the men call me! I enjoy life, and grateful for what God provided me!"