By the time I was eight years old I learned the true meaning of physical trauma as well as verbal abuse.
I could pour a mean rum and coke and make sure all ashtrays were empty for my parents.
This challenging beginning gave me the survivor skills I needed for later in life.
I was forced to be on my own at the age of 14 and that created such grief and loss in my life.
The loss of relationships that would never be.
Later I experienced near death and a direct connection to God.
These lessons ope.