Every child deserves to be loved.

Every child deserves parents who love them.

Yet, for as long as I can remember, I’ve harbored an insatiable craving for that one simple thing.

Love.

I was desperate for it. Through years of mistreatment and degradation, I longed for the affection I saw others receive. And I was willing to do anything to prove myself to the people I wanted it from—including going to war.

Yet it was never enough. Nothing ever was.

Except when it came to Laura, my high school sweetheart … and I pushed her away.

Over and over again.

Because how could I possibly deserve love from...

Every child deserves to be loved.

Every child deserves parents who love them.

Yet, for as long as I can remember, I’ve harbored an insatiable craving for that one simple thing.

Love.

I was desperate for it. Through years of mistreatment and degradation, I longed for the affection I saw others receive. And I was willing to do anything to prove myself to the people I wanted it from—including going to war.

Yet it was never enough. Nothing ever was.

Except when it came to Laura, my high school sweetheart … and I pushed her away.

Over and over again.

Because how could I possibly deserve love from her—or anyone—if my own parents couldn’t find me worthy of theirs?

Maybe I’m just not worthy of anything.