Description of the Incident in the Memoir
In Chapter 9 of “Finding Me,” Viola Davis writes, “Your first instinct when you love a child is to protect her from the pain of the world… and life” (99). The described incident is a powerful example of a child who needed protection from the pain of the world and life. Viola’s baby sister, Danielle, faced a traumatic experience when she was molested by an older man at a corner store. The incident not only shook the entire family but also left a lasting impact on Danielle, shaping her journey of healing and recovery. Viola’s love for her baby sister was evident when Danielle was born.
As an eleven-year-old, Viola took on the responsibility of being a big sister, caring for and protecting Danielle amid their tumultuous family life;- “I never wanted to leave her. Ever. It was as if life was injected into our lives. I changed diapers, put her to sleep, babysat, and gave her medicine when she was sick. And held her tight when my parents fought. She was our cub, and we accepted her into the pride group.” (Davis 66-67). Viola’s instinct to shield Danielle from the harsh realities of their world was a natural response, driven by her deep love for her sister.
Protecting a Child from the Harsh Realities of the World: Personal Experience
In my personal experience, I have seen the same natural inclination to safeguard a child from the world’s harsh realities. When my younger cousin was being harassed at school, I felt a powerful desire to protect her from the hurtful behavior and words of her classmates. She was a gentle and compassionate child, and it saddened me to see her suffer emotionally. I wanted to provide her with a secure and supportive space where she wouldn’t have to deal with the negativity and unkindness she faced at school.
Viola’s experience with Danielle resonates with my feelings towards my cousin. I found myself wanting to shield her from the harsh realities of bullying and its impact on her self-esteem and confidence. I provided a listening ear and unwavering support as she navigated the challenges she faced at school. I took on the role of protector, advocating for her well-being and ensuring she felt loved and cherished despite the adversity she encountered.
The incident involving Danielle’s molestation mirrors the vulnerability and innocence of children who are subjected to harm in a world that should protect them. Similarly, my cousin’s experience with bullying highlighted the fragility of children’s emotional well-being in the face of cruelty and mistreatment. Both instances called for fierce protection and love to shield these young souls from the pain inflicted upon them.
Viola’s commitment to loving and backing up Danielle shows the powerful influence that a nurturing and protective figure can have on a child. Through my interaction with my cousin, I discovered that providing constant love and protection can provide hope and fortitude for a child dealing with difficulties. This love and support can help children start to recover and develop resilience when confronted with life’s obstacles.
As Viola expressed in her narrative, the most excruciating revelation is realizing that, as humans, we cannot shield children from all the pain in the world. However, our love and protection can serve as a guiding light, offering solace and strength to those who most need it. Just as Viola continues to love and support Danielle, I have remained a steadfast source of love and protection for my cousin, standing by her side as she navigates the intricacies of life. Viola’s powerful narrative and my personal experience highlight the profound impact of protecting and nurturing a child in the face of adversity. It is a reminder of the enduring power of love and support in shielding children from the world’s pain and guiding them toward healing and resilience.
Works Cited
Davis, Viola. Finding Me: The Grammy-winning Memoir. Hachette UK, 2022.