I have resisted writing my “Better Because” story as I do not feel that my life is better in many ways. Treatment for me was traumatic and I was forced to give up my passion, career, and much more — not because of illness — but because of treatment. However, there are some things I have today that truly are “better because.” I did not get my life back, but I have created a different life worth living.
When I was a teen, I was sexually abused several times by two men I trusted and knew well. At that time, I was laser-focused on what I wanted my life to be, which was to become a veterinarian. I was able to totally block the abuse from my mind and did not allow what happened to throw me off course. I went on to graduate from college and veterinary school. This demonstrated both my resilience and resourcefulness in achieving my goal, but it was not without pain and sacrifice. One thing I lost in this journey was the ability to develop trust in anyone or maintain deep personal relationships.
For the next several years, my life moved forward without interruption or disruption. I became an officer in the USAF Veterinary Corps, I got married, I had two beautiful children.