A writer friend of mine I highly respect once gave me heartfelt encouragement and support when I expressed doubts about telling my story. She said, “You must tell your truth no matter how painful it might be.” So that’s what I will do.

Perhaps it will help someone struggling silently with the same things I have (and still do) a little less lonely. Perhaps it will validate their own story or give them some hope they can survive. I don’t know it if that’s the case since very few visit my site, but I cannot stuff these things down inside any longer. I’ve been doing that for nearly 60 years. Doing so has ruined my health and negatively affected the lives of those around me. Writing about these things “semi-publicly” holds me accountable to tell the truth.