I know I’m not easy for everyone to understand. I didn’t grow up in comfort. I grew up in an abusive home where survival was the first lesson. Later, I chose a path very few women I know ever walked — I became a United States Marine and a military policeman. Another reason why I am fiercely defensive about my country, and some of you will never understand that. That kind of life changes you. It gives you a different lens on the world… and sometimes people don’t know what to do with that. But my heart never hardened. I help people who truly want help. I have endless patience for someone trying to learn. It’s also why I believe in rescue dogs. I know what it feels like to be abandoned and still keep going. So if I seem different… it’s because I am. Some people were raised in comfort. Some of us were forged in fire. I know I’m not like most people. I would rather be misunderstood for who I am than loved for pretending to be someone I’m not.