This book is about my experiences in the US Marine Corps when I endured military sexual trauma and my experiences that I believe contributed to my being susceptible to this abuse. For so long, I allowed my shame and the fear of no one believing me to guide my decisions. I thought I needed to seek justice to find peace, but I got justice, validation, and peace by forgiving myself and being blessed to have special people who sometimes unknowingly led me step by step down my path to recovery and healing.
By the grace of God, I am now in a place in my life where I am strong enough to share these horrific experiences with you. Though I struggle with fear and uncertainty sometimes, I use the tools I have gathered from therapy, prayer, and mindfulness to make it through my days. I know there are other people out here, men and women, who have dealt with similar experiences, but this book is written from my perspective in the hope it will help others see that there is a light at the end of our dark tunnel. Remember, it may have happened to you, but it need not define who you are or what you will become. Some events may have temporarily taken away your happiness or your will to live, but they cannot take away your desire to become whole again. You can have a loving and successful relationship, career, and healthy functional family.
