The Parrot's Perch

1. Privileged upbringing in Brazil masks underlying family dysfunction

"I knew we were both thinking the same thing: Rex, Henri."

Facade of wealth and status. Karen Raborg grew up in a wealthy Brazilian family, surrounded by luxury and privilege. However, beneath the surface lay a complex web of family issues:

• Abusive and controlling father with possible CIA connections
• Mother who remained silent and complicit in the face of abuse
• Brother involved in drug dealing and legal troubles
• Constant fear of police and corruption

Childhood trauma. Despite the outward appearance of success, Karen's childhood was marked by:

• Physical and emotional abuse from her father
• Witnessing violence and unexplained incidents
• Feeling unsafe and unsupported by her mother
• Developing a keen sense of observation as a survival mechanism

2. Whirlwind romance and marriage shattered by brutal abduction and torture

"I was twenty-six years old. I needed love and happiness in my life. I couldn't live like this."

Fairy tale romance. Karen's marriage to Rick Sage seemed like a dream come true:

• Lavish wedding ceremony in Brazil
• Shared passion for equestrianism and adventure
• Promise of a bright future together

Sudden nightmare. Their lives were violently upended when they were abducted from their home:

• Falsely accused of drug trafficking
• Subjected to brutal interrogation and torture
• Held captive for 45 days in inhumane conditions

The abrupt transition from newlywed bliss to unimaginable horror left deep psychological scars on both Karen and Rick, forever altering the course of their lives and relationship.

3. Forty-five days of hell: Surviving imprisonment and torture in Brazil

"I lost all sense of being human. I was completely powerless."

Systematic dehumanization. Karen and Rick endured 45 days of relentless physical and psychological torture:

• Electric shocks, beatings, and sexual assault
• Starvation and unsanitary living conditions
• Isolation and constant fear for their lives

Survival mechanisms. To endure the ordeal, Karen developed coping strategies:

• Dissociation from her body during torture
• Focusing on her love for Rick and hope for release
• Drawing on her competitive spirit and determination

The experience left both Karen and Rick deeply traumatized, with lasting physical and emotional scars that would continue to impact their lives long after their release.

4. Struggle to rebuild life and marriage after trauma

"We were alive, Karen," he whispered, awe in his hushed voice. "We're alive and we're here together."

Post-traumatic challenges. After their release, Karen and Rick faced numerous obstacles in rebuilding their lives:

• Nightmares, flashbacks, and constant fear
• Difficulty communicating and connecting emotionally
• Rick's descent into alcoholism and infidelity
• Karen's suicide attempt and hospitalization

Failed attempts at normalcy. Despite their efforts to move forward, the couple struggled to overcome their trauma:

• Karen's pregnancy and hopes for a fresh start
• Rick's continued emotional distance and affairs
• Inability to discuss their shared experiences openly
• Growing resentment and mistrust between them

The lasting impact of their ordeal proved too great for their marriage to withstand, ultimately leading to their separation and Karen's decision to flee Brazil with their young son.

5. Escape to the US: Starting over as a single mother

"I had no idea how I would support us. The money I had wouldn't last long. All I knew was that I needed a fresh start. I would do whatever it took to survive."

Courageous decision. Karen made the difficult choice to leave Brazil and start a new life in the United States:

• Forged travel documents to leave with her son
• Left behind wealth, family, and everything familiar
• Arrived in the US with limited resources and no support system

Harsh reality of starting over. Karen faced numerous challenges as a single mother in a new country:

• Struggled to find employment without relevant experience
• Lived in subpar housing and dangerous neighborhoods
• Worked long hours as a waitress to make ends meet
• Battled loneliness and the fear of being discovered

Despite the immense difficulties, Karen's determination to provide a better life for her son drove her to persevere and slowly build a new life for them in California.

6. Battling addiction and self-destruction while seeking stability

"I was fucking away the pain. It was all about darkness and release, and in a way, I guess, it was my payment for the drinks and cocaine."

Descent into addiction. Overwhelmed by trauma and the struggles of single motherhood, Karen turned to destructive behaviors:

• Cocaine use to boost energy and numb emotional pain
• Engaging in risky sexual encounters
• Neglecting her son's needs while partying

Rock bottom. Karen's self-destructive spiral culminated in a terrifying incident:

• Followed home by an armed man after a party
• Realized the danger she was putting herself and her son in
• Vowed to change her ways and prioritize her child's well-being

This wake-up call forced Karen to confront her addiction and self-destructive tendencies, setting her on a path towards recovery and stability for the sake of her son.

7. Finding hope and a new beginning through family support and personal growth

"You're braver than you know, and certainly braver than anyone has ever given you credit for."

Unexpected support. Karen's mother finally stood up to her abusive father and provided crucial assistance:

• Purchased a home for Karen and her son in California
• Offered emotional support and encouragement
• Acknowledged her own past mistakes and Karen's strength

Embracing a new life. With this support, Karen began to build a stable and happy life:

• Created a loving home for her son in a family-friendly neighborhood
• Formed meaningful friendships with neighbors and other single mothers
• Focused on personal growth and healing from past traumas
• Allowed herself to hope for love and happiness again

Through perseverance, family support, and a commitment to personal growth, Karen was able to overcome her traumatic past and create a promising future for herself and her son in their new home.

Last updated: November 21, 2024