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#1 I had a difficult beginning. My home was broken before I entered it. I lived with my parents, who were constantly fighting. I was three years old when I was left in the car while they went into a store, and I began to drive when they didn't come get me.

#2 I had a lot of trouble understanding my father, who was very emotional. He was the last of fourteen brothers and sisters, and he would come home after work and get drunk, then start hitting my mother. One night, I saw him hit her so hard she broke her wrist. I rushed him, ready to drive a knife into his body, but my mom stopped me.

#3 I was 11 when my father started beating my mother. I was terrified and confused, but I knew I had to protect my mother and brother. I pulled a knife on my father and was thrown out of the window. I ended up living with my grandparents.

#4 I eventually met my maternal grandmother, and understood why they called her the General. She was regal and powerful, and I found that cool. She also made the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever had.