HuffPost Personal
"History has informed us about what can happen, and we can’t ignore the possibilities."
"Had I been wrong about my dad — this man I knew to be so wonderful and caring and loving, not only to my mom and my siblings and me, but seemingly to everyone he knew?"
"It is more important than ever to provide youth with literature that reflects their struggles, parallels their pain, and offers solace in times of need."
"Whenever I asked him for suggestions, I never looked directly in his eyes, fearful he would see the faint blush on my cheeks and my weakness for funny, smart men."
WHAT'S HAPPENING
"I was 11 years old, and at that point, my parents had known for several years that something was not right with me."
"My response seemed to satisfy this inquisitive kindergartner, but then he asked again two weeks later."
"It was a question that changed everything."
"What happened to me wasn’t an outlier. It wasn’t a rare failure. This IS how the system works."
"While my intention had been simple ... the mushrooms had other plans."
“‘I have something important to tell you — something very personal and private,’ he said. A feeling of dread swept over me.”