DISCLAIMER: This story contains contains strong imagery surrounding abuse. If you or someone you know is suffering abuse please contact your local authorities. Search for the best resources in your area here. Or call 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) __________________________________________________________________________________________ My father’s school breaks were always terrifying for me and my mom. He drank all day for weeks on end and abused us whenever he wasn’t passed out somewhere. We cowered in fear, hoping not to upset him. It never worked. He yelled for me again. “I’m coooming,” I said. Ten o’clock in the morning, and he was clearly already drunk. He yanked me down the last few stairs and to the ground. Standing over me he growled, “Son, I’m gettin’ tired of you not listenin’ to me. It’s time to teach you a lesson you won’t soon forget. I think it’s time for the board. The Board…of Education.” He took me out to the backyard... read more
In July of 2009 I met with a psychologist to discuss my eating habit. When I left I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder in which an individual equates self-worth with an unhealthily... read more
I know the story I am supposed to tell. I am supposed to tell the one about my miraculous healing when I was just six days old. I could tell you I was rushed into... read more
A few years ago, I had a really good idea. I was helping my friend Amy clean out her closet, mostly by laughing and making her try everything on and putting it in big piles... read more
For three years I was a camp counselor. Mostly it was awesome because I got to tell silly stories and third graders thought I was some kind of celebrity. I wore hiking boots and a... read more
New Year’s Eve means nothing to me. January 1 only signifies the date when I can begin to grouse about getting my tax information ready. It’s not that I could care less about holidays or... read more
We borrowed my aunt’s cabin, by the water. We arrived late with a bottle of wine and I stepped on the back of my wedding dress as we crossed the threshold. I didn’t see anything... read more
Before I was a writer, I was a teacher. One of my most memorable students was named Ahmed. I didn’t know much about Ahmed when he first came to me. I knew he was an... read more
NOTE: This piece contains references to sexual addiction, rape and sexual abuse. If you need help, or know someone who does, please call the national Sexual Abuse hotline 1800-656-HOPE. Or Google your local rape and... read more
Have you ever been so sure about something, so confident that you made the right choice, — only to see it blow up in your face? Maybe, just maybe, despite all that frustration, those experiences... read more
The darkness overshadows the sun. So I sit in my armchair, the day dying outside and read the news. And once I start, I can’t stop because the chaos overwhelms me and everywhere are guns... read more
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