I took my son to Lone Survivor today to help him celebrate his 18th birthday. It was a terrific movie.

The gun battle seemed to never end. Just when I thought they were going to get a break, another round would start again.

I know what that feels like.

Not so much with bullets which slice through the skin but with words that slash through the heart.

I know how it is when you do something nice for someone and they come after you with evil, seeking to kill you.

I know how it is to feel like you need to hide under a rock because the verbal abuse keeps pelting you.

I know how it is to have someone’s hands around my neck choking me. The same person who at one time said he loved me.

I know how it is to be in war. I have been in a battle with my ex husband, a narcissist, for 28 years.

Maybe that is why I have such a tender spot in my heart for soldiers and wounded warriors.

There is a difference between them and I though.

When they come home their war is over. Mine will never end.