Dear Diary,

I don't remember a time where I didn't want to die. From the young age of four my parents abused me, and over the years it turned to a whole other level. After multiple broken bones and concussions, everything was revealed and they both ended up in prison.

After that, I got into an amazing foster family that wanted to help me and didn't give up on me. Even on the darkest days. Even when I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt. But as the years passed and I wasn't taking any help, a fresh start was good, for everyone.

I didn't know it then, but annoying Damon tried to help me. Without him I probably wouldn't be here today. Without him I probably wouldn't have learned to love myself again.

There were so many things that weighed me down, holding me back from being my true self. For years I have been holding my emotions to myself, harming myself because the physical pain was more manageable than the mental. But after months of recovery and downfalls I am finally on the way to being healthy. To be able to fully appreciate the finer things in life.

Today, I have learned that this is me and my past doesn't define me. And to be honest, a part of me doesn't regret my past because without it, I wouldn't have gotten adopted by the people I call my family. I wouldn't have moved to a new city and I wouldn't have met Damon.

My name is Lumina Maddox, and I am a survivor.