Like a Flower
Like a flower, I sprouted into this world. The canopy of my mother’s protection sheltered me from much of the harshness of reality, enabling me to thrive.
They divorced when I was two. Mom was leaving with her daughters; dad protested. After she rescued me from his back seat, the trio left for life, ending the unified family unit that precedes my memory. My whole life dad has been absent and resentment formed on all sides. Because she took us, he resents her (and the part of her in us). She resents his irresponsible parenting. AM I A PRODUCT OF LOVE?
The dew of youth nourishes as I absorb and store life experiences. I strive for growth
I am a living dichotomy… playfully serious, selfishly generous, genuinely acting, jaded sensitivity, shyly extraverted, a trusting skeptic… Inside this calm demeanor is a busy mind.
Enduring storms and gusts gives me strength to flourish. Others enter and exit my life, each leaving a unique impact.
I once got stuck in a mucky relationship. Substances numbed both my unhappiness and my urge to leave. My light faded. I found comfort in the darkness rather than the light, because the light revealed my unmet potential.
The clouds cleared. The remnants of the storm manifested into lessons.
I have now found love- real love, but I’m still working on trusting it.
Love for life inspires me to bloom to my potential.
In the end, I hope to look back and see only joy. I want to recognize similarities and appreciate differences. I want to celebrate the abundance of life.
I was sent to a Red Cross youth camp in Zurich the summer after the U.S. invasion of Iraq. 150 people, 38 countries, uniting the youth of the world to improve our relations for the future. My goal to befriend everyone was challenged with historical hatred, prejudice and stereotypes, but in one week, I had 149 new friends around the globe except the Iraqi refugee. Our language barrier was dissolved on the final day with one gesture of universal kindness.
He sat alone in the lobby with an elevated foot. Using gestures, he described that he hurt it playing soccer barefoot. Unable to convey my concern sympathy with my words, I kissed my hand and touched my foot. The smile that then spread across his face resonates in my heart more powerfully than global politics. One moment of interpersonal peace shattered all perceived boundaries.
These moments fulfill my life.