I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 15 years ago, but I’ve had it for most of my life.  I don’t function like most other people, but I believe I function quite well for someone with PTSD. I try to look at things positively and I try to avoid things that are negative; especially people, because I take a lot of things to heart.

I’m a wife, partner and friend to the most amazing man I’ve ever met. We dated back in high school, and then after being apart for almost 30 years, we reunited. We had our third “first” date a month before I was held up, and even though I gave him the chance to run for the hills, he stayed. We’ve been together now for 15+ years and I believe if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have made it through the first couple of years after my diagnosis. He really is a knight in shining armor!

I was disowned by most of my biological family by the end of 2018, but fortunately, I have a great circle of friends that have never questioned me, or the changes that have occurred since my workplace incident and whether they know it or not, they have been part of the guiding force that has kept me alive since that fateful day.

I consider these incredible people, my chosen family, because they know I’m not my illness. They know I am so much more than that …and so do I because I’m a survivor.