"I've overcome physical and mental brutality - and fought back." — Tatum O'Neal

The more love I craved, the more distant and abusive he grew. The role I longed to play was never written into Ryan's script: daughter.

Ryan is my bridge to the past, to memories that lose some of their sting when he recounts them.

My children forgave me at a time when I could barely forgive myself.

I've stood my ground in life, alone, even against overwhelming forces with the might and money to crush me.