Untitled 06.17 (draft 1)

So many things have happened in the past seventeen years.

So many things didn’t happen in the same amount of time.

Most of what has occurred and possibly the more important stuff,

has happened in the past twelve years.

I have loved and hated.

I have been giving so much and had much taken away.

I have changed in ways so numerous and ways

I’m sure I don’t even know about.

I have been built up and broken down,

I have been disappointed and have disappointed,

I have sweated, bled, and cried,

I have laughed and cheered and celebrated.

I have moved and dug my heels in

and refused to budge.

I have become a mother, a wife, a fatherless daughter,

a prisoner, a separated partner, a recovering human,

and a grateful resident in the village where I have planted roots.

I have learned, those that cross over,

are still here watching, teasing, and protecting me.

I have been afraid and I have calmed fears.

I have hurt and been hurt, healed and helped heal.

I think one of the biggest things that I have become

is truly grateful for all of this…

and these…

and them.

And there are not enough words

to say how sorry I am

for all I have done,

nor enough words

to say how thankful I truly am.

~m.e.j.