Michelle SantanaThe writing of this book started as a means to an end. For me, it was the first-time life made sense-the pen hitting the paper and the thoughts rushing out. Trauma had drowned out life and made it impossible for me to think, so writing was an escape.Escaping the reality that had caused so much pain. Pain that festered like a sore. Writing made overcoming my pain a mission. The mission to tell the story that mimicked so many other stories. After writing this story for thirteen years, a promise was made to my mom and it was never to be broken. But the promise to finish the story before 2018 was over. Nevertheless, the promise was kept and that was the catalyst to the rest of what life would bring my way: Manic episodes, mental hospitals, pills, running barefoot in the streets of the suburbs, and sitting in the back of police cars. Life wasn't letting up, but neither was the soul that so badly wanted to escape the mold it was put into. Two years later and here it is. The story that changed one life and hopes to change so many more. Things aren't black and white. Let's stop pretending that they are and change ourselves, our views, and this world for the better. Life doesn't stop and neither should you. Like I did, make the best of what you have. Pick up that pen and paper because once you start, you'll never look back. I didn't. This story isn't about just me and neither is this bio merely about me. This book is about us. This book is about living, even if sometimes you feel like dying. Every day is an obstacle and living through it means strength must come from within you. We are strength. We are power. Love it or leave it but don't ever forget it. I am me and this is the story that I've never wanted to let go but today, that changes because little Me's exist everywhere. I am here to tell you, it gets better . . . But only when you do. Read More Read Less