The Shelf Life of a Secret

is a real-life account of abuse, addiction, resiliency, and self-awareness. Months after I was born, my father walked out on our family. At eight, I was sexually molested by my step-father. After two years of abuse, I told my mother but instead of believing me, she defended him and remained with him until his death. These three experiences frame my childhood of perfect hell—one that lined a path of fear, shame, and eventual route to courage. This story spans forty years of trying to make sense of my abusive past, of trying to find a sense of normalcy, and of trying to navigate relationships, marriage, and parenting. Now, I tackle it all with a grin. Hell, they don’t call me “one blunt woman” for nothing. Secrets should absolutely have a shelf life; otherwise, you may find yourself at the bottom of yet another bottle—or worse. This is a candid and brutally honest memoir written for all of us who have suffered abuse and for all of us ready to shout—loudly and bluntly—about pedophilia.