That's an awful lot of pain, my friend. And although it's for different reasons, I can relate to so much of what you've shared here - not to make it about me, but to say someone out here 'gets' how deeply you were hurting and why you chose this path to try to feel better.

It's a scary thing to open up and share our darkest secrets. Terrifying. I'm so glad you finally found someone you dared trust, and it's turned out to be a safe connection and help for your healing journey.

It took courage to allow yourself to do that, and then to share it here. Thank you for being brave. Your story will help so many who need to hear it. Brava, my dear friend. 💜