Crashing Waves

Every child deserves to be loved. Every child deserves parents who love them. Yet, for as long as I can remember, I've harbored an insatiable craving for that one simple thing. Love. I was desperate for it. Through years of mistreatment and degradation, I longed for the affection I saw others receive. And I was willing to do anything to prove myself to the people I wanted it from-including going to war. Yet it was never enough. Nothing ever was. Except when it came to Laura, my high school sweetheart ... and I pushed her away. Over and over again. Because how could I possibly deserve love from her-or anyone-if my own parents couldn't find me worthy of theirs? Maybe I'm just not worthy of anything.