I kept thinking this could not be happening; we were locked up for twenty-six days. During that time, the bond was re-duced to $10,000.00 for each of us. With money collected from family, friends and employers, our bond was paid and we were released.

I began to recognize how demanding, dominating, and controlling many of my friendships were and I could hardly believe my predicament. Although I actually spoke the words, I realize I was failing to communicate effectively what was in my heart because of my low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. Outwardly, I appeared to have it going on, but inwardly the demons of fear and low self-esteem taunted me with negative thoughts—“Play it safe,” “What you’re saying isn’t that important,”..