**Originally posted March 1, 2013**
My name is Zara.
I guess I should start by thanking all of you who took the time to read the Ivory Skin series of poems, written by my dear friend, Bill Temple.
The events described in those poems happened over the course of one weekend. Possibly the most horrible weekend of my entire life. Most of it is a blur of reality and unreality, enhanced by drugs, alcohol, and emotional upheaval, unlike anything that I have ever experienced before.
Bill seems to think that my life is interesting and in some ways, perhaps, inspirational, but I just don't see it. But, between Bill and my husband, Jay, they have managed to convince me that it is and that I should share it with others. I am still not 100% convinced, but I have agreed to at least start this thing and if I feel good about it and I feel that someone may learn from it and not make the same mistakes I did, then perhaps it will be worth it.
I don't know.
I am not a writer, by no stretch of the imagination, so I am relying on Bill to present this in a way that is understandable and offers me to the readers in a certain light. I am not perfect and God knows that I have made numerous mistakes and bad choices, but now, finally, I have the peace and love that I have always imagined.
I have talked extensively with Bill and we plan more talks. These talks have been difficult at times, because I am reliving parts of my life that, in all honesty, I have sealed away. They are just too painful. Jay has helped me to look at the positive in life. Even the positive that can come from making ill advised choices and decisions.
Even the darkest of nights can give birth to the most magnificent sunrise.
I don't know where that saying came from, but I remember my Mom saying it to me.
I am shaking while writing this, I guess because of the anticipation of what is coming. It is scary putting your life out there. Allowing others to become part of some of the most personal events of your life. I just hope that I don't come across as being some sort of pathetic loser, who simply got lucky.
So, I am taking many deep breaths and with my husband holding my hand, and a dear friend assuring me that he will present my story as it should be presented, I offer to you my story.
My name is Zara Olive Williams.
This is my story.
