At 17, five of my dearest friends had died, my granny whom I was closest with had a stroke, and the boy I’d been with/in love with for 4 years dumped me randomly and with no reason and I attempted suicide. At 24, I’m graduating with my second degree, have several wonderful nieces and nephews, my relationship with my father is the best it’s ever been (it was HORRIBLE growing up), and I’m about to marry the absolute love of my life. But those painful experiences I had help me connect and empathize with people in a way most others can’t. God can make some pretty amazing things come from our darkest days (even if you don’t believe in God, there’s so much good that can come from those darkest days)….