l was raped

My name is Melissa B. Lombardo. I was raped. Twenty years later, I am happy. I am NOT happy I was raped, but I know I have happiness in my life, especially in time spent with family including my wonderful son. It took me twenty years to write that statement and two more years to say it out loud. I WAS RAPED. Being raped no longer defines me as an individual as it did before. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a cousin, a godchild, an author, a colleague, a community member, an advocate, and more. I lead a full life and feel grateful every day that I wake up.  

While I did not believe healing was possible for me as a college student in my twenties, it is…I know it is!

Twenty years post-assault, and after a series of triggers upon returning to my home state to live, I renewed past healing. I came to the realization there was no turning back no matter how difficult it was…and believe me…it was not easy.

I consciously decided to take control of an experience where I previously had no control and began a journey to healing that continues today. It is my wish that each of you continue to heal and thrive and let the beauty within you shine stronger than past traumas. You are not alone. You Matter. You Got This!

— Melissa B. Lombardo