The Damaged – We’re All Broken

We’re all broken, damaged to some extent. Children are born innocent and whole. They love without conditions and give without expectation. They are broken by their parents’, or guardians’, brokenness who were broken by their parents or guardians. It’s a vicious cycle.

No one knows where it really began. Some will say it began in the Garden of Eden when Eve bit into the apple. However, that’s only if you believe in the Bible. Others will say it’s evolution. You know, the survival of the fittest. It really doesn’t matter. The damage has been done and all we can do is work harder at putting our emotional Humpty Dumpty back together again.

This drama series began Friday, January 3, 2014, and it will continue until I have shared my story as much as I can in hopes to heal. It has taken me more than 26 years to get to courage to open up and revisit deep wounds. Nonetheless, it’s time for me to face my terrors. It won’t be easy. The nightmares may return. However, I’m willing to endure them if it means living a life totally fulfilled and engulfed with peace.

I don’t write this series for sympathy. I write it to help others understand who and why I am. Most of all, I share my story because I deserve to live my life according to my terms and without apology. Additionally, I write my story for my fellow damaged comrades who continue to struggle alone and in silence. For you, I will write.

Clarissa Burton, EM3, USN, Active Duty 1985-1990