Prologue

Several years ago, I wrote a song in which part of the bridge went like this:

I often feel
Like a story that has never been told
I'm mystery concealed
By the secrets that nobody knows.

The words of of that song keep playing over and over in my mind as I read this manuscript for the first time. There is a big part of me that wants to keep all my scars hidden for eternity so the world doesn't have to see such a human side of me. But I know they remain for a reason. They are the proof that faithfulness and perseverance in the toughest time of my life is what made me an overcommer; what made me who I am today.

Twelve years. Twelve years I have battled the conflicting thoughts inside my head as to whether I should share my story or not. The only thing I could be certain about is that I should not be the one to tell it. Doing so would be like like standing at the base of the highest mountain and trying to describe it, because there is so much more to see and describe than just what comes from my vantage point. But with each new chapter I read and each new person interviewed, I was given a different perspective that finally allowed me to see how incredible my story really is.

If you are taking the time to read this book, I hope you are able to see that my story is not simply about pain but about the rewards of perseverance. I want my story to be a source of encouragement and hope for those among us who have had to learn what it's like to live with suffering.

Nicholas (Nick) Duval writes my story from a very unique perspective. Many of you may recognize him as the gifted writer he is but I know him as my high school Glee club singing mate and one of my very best friends. When I decided that I would indeed share my story, he was the only one I was willing to have write it. He had the courage to ask me questions I would rather not have answered and the wisdom to know what to do with the answers.

There are so many people whose contribution was crucial in this book becoming a reality. But I want to make special mention of my my friends from The Warblers. You all prove that high school friendships do indeed last. Even though we may not see each other often, we always pick up where we left off when we do. You were there for me when I needed you most and no amount of distance or circumstances can ever change how blessed you all have made my life. I am forever in your debt.

It has been said about family that when one hurts, everyone hurts, everyone feels the pain. If that is true, I celebrate this miracle with those closest to me; my parents Martin & Cecelia Anderson and my brother and sister in-law, Cooper & Rebecca Anderson. I also celebrate it with the best in-laws in the world, Burt & Carole Hummel and my brother and sister in-law, Finn & Rachel Hudson. Thank you for enduring with me.

Finally, I want to dedicate this book to my husband Kurt, who provides me with all the safe places in my life. Without him, I would most certainly be dead. To my two daughters, Willow and Paisley. I am so thankful that the only part of this story you will ever know is what you read in these pages.


- Blaine D Anderson