Every time I tell my story, someone invariably has a story to share afterward. Most times, it is a woman. Occasionally, it is a man.

“My mom was in an abusive marriage.”
“The same thing happened to me. I was molested when I was 10.”
“He beat me for 35 years.”
“After my rape, I felt like my life was stolen.”

I am honored to be trusted with a glimpse into other people’s lives, and most of these moments are positive. Encouraging. Complimentary. The more I speak out, the more I hear. It never ceases to amaze me, and it is humbling.

A woman named Amy came up after I finished speaking during a domestic violence vigil held in Charleston, W.Va., in October 2005. “You make it all real, and you connect with people. You’re my hero!”

I can’t take the credit for being a hero, for I believe we each carry the capacity to be our own hero. But if you can take something from my journey, and use it as you travel your own, then so be it.

That’s what this site is for. Everything you read here has been written by me, unless otherwise noted. If I didn't write it, I will attribute it to the proper author. If you would like to quote my words, please do the same. The only other request I make is that you use this site wisely ... and gently.