Holy Shit. After the opening paragraphs I went back to the top to see if this was a fiction piece.

Wow. You laid it right out there. Guts.

I don't think any woman plans that path. Things happen and it funnels them there. Not only am I glad you stepped away from that but that you've healed enough to be present, healthy and with heart seeking love and intimacy.

Never would have guessed this about your past in a million years.

Helluva an essay, Michelle.