If it is any consolation, hubby and I have been married almost 36 years and I still ask him why he loves me. The question comes less frequently than it did in the past, but it still comes.

I love the bravery you put into this piece, Laura. The reality of the struggle to accept love that just IS — that’s hard. It gets easier, but only with a ton of hard work.

I wasn’t sexually abused. But I was emotionally and physically attacked most of my childhood. I didn’t know that I could be myself until college. Even then, it has taken me decades to know myself well enough to be myself. Loving friends, a loving son, a strong community, writing things out. These are helping me get there. I hope you are able to keep moving towards yourself. ❤