I feel blessed to know Suzette and more honored that she was brave enough to come forward and discuss her struggles. She is passionate about helping others, connecting with people and sharing her message of healing.

IN HER WORDS:

I was raped by a 14-year-old neighbor at the age of 9. My parents weren't home and so my brother's older friend took the opportunity. As I've thought about it over the years, what stands out to me is that he had been grooming me since a young age. I was the one that he had a special nickname for, he always tried to make me feel special. So when the day arrived, I never in a million years thought he would do anything like that. I remember just freezing, not knowing what to do. Over the years, like a typical victim, I found myself making excuses for him (ie. boys will be boys, he was still a nice guy, he was also molested). Then I got to an age where I was like, NO. What he did was wrong. As I talked with people from many different walks of life, I found out that virtually EVERYONE knows someone who was molested as a child, whether it be themselves or someone else. This is unacceptable and needs to change.

I was pretty emotionally needy, as a child. I was the youngest of four kids. My father was a good man, but he was very strict, so there wasn't a whole lot of freedom to be yourself. My mother was sick most of my life. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 4. I watched her body decline and by the time I was 19, she was struggling to do basic things for herself. Eventually, I was forced to become a caretaker of my mom at age 12. Why do I say forced? Because no one asked, it was just expected. This had a profound effect on me. I didn't have a normal childhood because of it.

Skip to my adulthood. My mom died in 1998. I was 28 and in my last semester of college. I had postponed college to help with my mom. I don't regret this, I'm glad I did. Eventually, I met my now-husband. We settled in Michigan and I had two children. After the birth of my second, a son, I lost the use of my right arm for a time. After many tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Was I mad!!! It took me a few months, tears, and prayers to pick myself up from that. I determined that MS wasn't going to define me. I will still do what I have to do, despite it.

Several years passed and my kids were now tweens. I came to a place in my life where I decided that I wanted to Branch out beyond being a wife and mother...but I also wanted to make a positive impact in the world. So I decided to write a story that had been on my heart. 

What has evolved from the story has been amazing. I've developed a production company named Grace Films, located in Reno. My dream is to produce films that give back to our communities...starting with my first story, 'Flower of the Sun'. Each story that I produce will not only be an impactful story, but a portion of profit will bless several non-profits. 'Flower of the Sun' has partnered with the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Reno, Awaken, and Xquisite. I'm excited at the prospect of giving back through Film!

Gracefilmsllcofnv@instagram

SuzyQue@facebook

SuzetteSutton-Frazee@ LinkedIn

www.gracefilmsllc.com

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