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I am a first-time book author residing in Rochester, New York. Writing my story and having it published on 11/11/2024. although very painful, has been a remarkable achievement. Over thirty plus years, I was told by many that I should share my story with the world. The postponement stemmed from feelings of embarrassment, shame and guilt. The life I once lived was full of many obstacles and adversities, which included sexual, mental and emotional abuse.  To diminish all of the negative thoughts and dull all of the pain, I turned to drugs and alcohol. Carrying secrets around for several decades led me down a dark path.  Because of my destructive behavior, majority of the time, I felt as if I was going through a war zone and that there was no way out.  During those dark days, I had contemplated suicide on many occasions, but deep down inside of me I never wanted to end my life; I just wanted the pain to go away. In the midst of everything, I would always pray with hopes that God would one day hear my cry.  Today, I know that God was with me every step of the way.  This is my survival testimony.

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