The final collection in a trilogy of books on healing from sexual assault, “hu(men)” represents the culmination of over a decade of inner healing work that first involved battling through severe depression, self-harm, and three suicide attempts. It is the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” that may be brighter on some days than others, but is somehow always shining.  

 

Healing isn’t quick or painless. As Beatriz said in the movie Beatriz at Dinner: “You think killing is hard? Try healing. You can break something in two seconds. But it can take forever to fix it.” I’ve heard that quote hundreds of times at this point and every time it rings just as true as the first. Although this book may be the lightest, most hopeful, and optimistic in my collection, it is no more beautiful or important than the either two. Because this book, and the thoughts and feelings inside of it would never have existed if I didn’t first admit to, acknowledge, and accept the feelings and thoughts that were equally my reality in the previous two books.