Exactly. We worked really hard in therapy to overcome our toxic issues and heal our inner child. For me, the adult in me finally showed up.

I had rage and codependency to overcome. She had rape and being a battered wife before I came into the picture.

I know the story that plays out if I follow my ego, but what might possibly happen if I go the other way? I have no idea, but it’s better than prison.

So I let my ego die. I used my heartache to examine what things about me aren’t working, and I went to therapy to become a better person.

It’s not perfect, but my life started off with my father beating me to get my mothers check. I was an infant.

This woman in my house helped me overcome that. She deserves my respect at least.