This book is a direct companion piece to my first novel, Scorched Earth, which tackled the massive weight of the world's perception and the brutal reality of living with military-related mental health symptoms like PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia. While that first novel described my outlook on life—the constant internal battles and the decisions that ran through my mind as I simply tried to navigate day-to-day life—this latest story is where I truly open up.
The Internal Abyss is based on my true, deeply personal experiences. Over time, my memory has inevitably faded, yet I see my military service, both the recent past and the distant past, as the foundational experience that shaped me. This book became my chance to share with those closest to me—with you—some of the pivotal events that led me to understand who I was, who I am now, and what I strive to be as a father, husband, and human being.
Placing these words on paper was everything but easy. It was an act of reflection, a necessary step in acknowledging the progress I’ve made. Within these pages, you will meet some key, important people—the individuals who contributed directly to my recovery. Without their unwavering support, the ending of my story would have been drastically different, perhaps an ending I wouldn’t have been able to convey on paper at all. This book is, in part, an homage to them.
As you read this, I ask for no pity. I am one veteran who was fortunate enough to find help among the resources available. Instead, please use this story as a reminder. Remember the profound sacrifice of those who served and are no longer with us, and remember those who are still struggling in silence today.
Thank you for being part of my journey and for offering me the support that makes my future possible.
Semper Fidelis.
This book is a direct companion piece to my first novel, Scorched Earth, which tackled the massive weight of the world's perception and the brutal reality of living with military-related mental health symptoms like PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia. While that first novel described my outlook on life—the constant internal battles and the decisions that ran through my mind as I simply tried to navigate day-to-day life—this latest story is where I truly open up.
The Internal Abyss is based on my true, deeply personal experiences. Over time, my memory has inevitably faded, yet I see my military service, both the recent past and the distant past, as the foundational experience that shaped me. This book became my chance to share with those closest to me—with you—some of the pivotal events that led me to understand who I was, who I am now, and what I strive to be as a father, husband, and human being.
Placing these words on paper was everything but easy. It was an act of reflection, a necessary step in acknowledging the progress I’ve made. Within these pages, you will meet some key, important people—the individuals who contributed directly to my recovery. Without their unwavering support, the ending of my story would have been drastically different, perhaps an ending I wouldn’t have been able to convey on paper at all. This book is, in part, an homage to them.
As you read this, I ask for no pity. I am one veteran who was fortunate enough to find help among the resources available. Instead, please use this story as a reminder. Remember the profound sacrifice of those who served and are no longer with us, and remember those who are still struggling in silence today.
Thank you for being part of my journey and for offering me the support that makes my future possible.
Semper Fidelis.
