No one should be ashamed to speak up. Shame makes it easy for neglect and abuse and bullying to stay huddled together in their dark corner. It’s time to throw the switch on this spotlight. If I can inspire other kids to speak their truth, then everything I’ve been through will have been worth it.

The only person I can count on is myself. It's up to me to create the life I want. I can't blame my parents or Scott or anyone else for the way things are.

I thought following a straight road would lead me right to my destination. Like the road would just take me there because I was following all the rules. And if the road curved, I couldn't be sure about where I was going. But look where it got me. Maybe it's time for a detour.

It's up to me to create the life I want.

There are some things I can't control, & that's just the way it is.

Last words of wisdom.If your parents are screewed up, don't turn into them. Use them as an example of what not to be- be yourself instead. you can overcome your fears, you can change, you can make your life into what you've always wanted it to be. Maybr not tomorrow but soon. So hang in.

But you can't get to the place you most want to be without taking a chance.