The Ticking Time Bomb: How One Man Ended the Cycle of Abuse

BIRMINGHAM - Timothy lives in a modest, split-level home in the town of Huffman. Known in the community as "the Ticking Time-Bomb," the 48 year old machinist has lived a life that many people in this town refer to as "just plain sad."

When approaching the front door by way of a long, cobblestone sidewalk across the front lawn, one is drawn to a large picture window, tonight featuring a heart - warming sight. A family of five is laughing while straightening the kitchen and washing dinner dishes, creating a mood Norman Rockwell would have found inspiring.

When my knocks at their door are answered, I am welcomed by Timothy and his beautiful wife, Nora. Timothy's wife of fifteen years excuses herself and their three young daughters from the front sitting room.

"To what do I owe this honor, Timothy?" I ask.

After handing me a mug of hot coffee, he explains, "Well, Nora was watching a talk-show the other day about the cycle of abuse through generations. What they kept repeating was the notion that if a kid is abused, they will become an abuser. There were stories backing up the claim. The guest speakers made it sound like once a child is mistreated, they're doomed to abuse their own one day."

Being familiar with the history of the Ticking Time-Bomb, I smile, knowing where this interview is going now, and happy to witness Tim finally speaking out against public scrutiny. I ask, "So, you wish to challenge their statements?"

"You bet I do."

"What proof, if any, could you possibly have that would stand against the knowledge of therapists and doctors?"

"I've been doomed for about forty years now," he smiled. His tension is visible.

"Tell me about your childhood, Tim."

He nods his head in agreement, and though I am familiar with some of his lifelong plight, Timothy tells me about events that not only leave me in tears, but that form a new respect for this man who stopped the cycle of abuse in his own life, single-handedly. Some of the events will not be shared here.