“We’re often told we are overdramatic, making it up for attention, mentally unstable— all while suffering severe pain. It wasn’t rainbows, it wasn’t sunshine. It was survival.”
- Love What Matters
- Children
“We’re often told we are overdramatic, making it up for attention, mentally unstable— all while suffering severe pain. It wasn’t rainbows, it wasn’t sunshine. It was survival.”
“The pandemic has yielded a range of emotions. Yet, one can still find hope, comfort and peace through music. Once we are able to resume regular performances, I hope we remember those who cannot come to us, and we will go to them.”
“I feel a tiny glow of hope these bright-eyed kids will continue to think about simple ways to make an impact in the lives of those around them, even after they finish school. I have to hold back my years when I think about the difference they’re making.”
“Alcohol was like a looming cloud. I chose alcohol over everything. I would mourn with alcohol, celebrate with alcohol, and survive with alcohol. I asked myself, ‘Do I want to spend my life mourning ghosts of a life lost, or actually live?’”
“I didn’t know what or how to feel. ‘I’m numb.’ The word ‘death’ was written under risk factors. Signing the consent form was the scariest thing I’d ever done. It was basically signing away your child to your worst fear.”
“I’d eat lunch and sneak off to be sick. I was ashamed even with all the dance and exercise, it didn’t help. I was fat. ‘Your body is wrong for dance.’ I didn’t fight back.”
“I was rushed to the hospital because it looked bloody BAD. ‘I just have this weird feeling,’ I told him. I was shaking from absolute shock.”
“I found myself with two kids, multiple divorces, and a life in utter chaos. I still couldn’t see the problem was me. I’d promise I’d be back and never show up. My kids spent 3 years never knowing if I was coming home.”
“I played the martyr, feeling sorry for myself raising these babies alone, instead of admitting I needed help. I was a total failure of a mom.”
“My husband said, ‘They want you.’ When I rounded the corner, they all started yelling, ‘Mama!!! Mama, come here!’ They made a conscious CHOICE to call me ‘mama.’ I will always cherish this.”