Acknowledgments
The idea for this book was conceived decades before I was recovered and strong enough to write it. Without divine assistance and the encouragement and support of many wonderful people who have come into my life, I would not have had the courage to write with such transparency. My intimate partner in life, David, has endured some of the fallout of my violent past. Nonetheless, he has supported and encouraged me to persevere in my healing process. He has modeled to me exceptional parenting skills, though, humble man that he is, he’d be the last to admit it. He has joined me in therapy at times so we can learn together from the marriage mechanic, as I call our therapist, how to better maintain our marriage and family. He has loved and supported me and urged me to write about overcoming the e²ects of my past. My lovable and capable daughters—Aleah and Anisa—are gifts from God. I hope and pray that when they begin to build their adult lives they will examine their childhood and repeat the traditions and behaviors worthy of being passed down to their children and grandchildren. I give them my full permission to do better where I have fallen short, to avoid repeating my mistakes, and to strive to create peaceful and loving homes for their families. My mom and my brothers, Mike and Chuck, deserve acknowledgment for having endured violence that no one deserves. They have willingly agreed to have our family story shared and have o²ered their emotional support throughout the writing of the book.
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