As I think about turning 30 this year, I'm entering a period of quiet reflection. Looking back on my life; my childhood, teenage years, and young adult life so far, I can't help but appreciate what's happened to me along the way. Things I used to consider damaging I'm beginning to see in a new light. The sum total, and each individual experience, has made me who I am today. And I do not regret it.
People who are near and dear to me; they have their own personal damage, quirks, and insecurities that make them who they are, and regardless of any shortcomings, the impact they have made on my life is enormous.
Who I am now was shaped early on by three amazing women. My aunt, whom I love dearly, who knows what I need before I need it, and is always quick to give it to me; who is so perceptive about situations and has the ability to break things down to its most basic terms, and who also possesses the foresight to warn others off potentially bad choices or situations. From her I took for myself a measure of practicality, the skill of looking for problems and solutions.
Another aunt, close to my heart, who thinks and believes so closely to myself, that I feel we are almost always of the same mind. She brings balance to my life by coming up beside me and walking at my side, no matter what I'm going through, and helping me to see the tiny signs and small steps required to get where I want to be. From her I took my ability to perceive things unseen, to mediate and rationalize thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
And my grandmother-turned-mom; the women who took me in and raised me as her own. Our simple and also complicated relationship has affected me in ways I can't fully comprehend. But she was, and is, always there; who showed me the true spirit of a survivor and the worth in never giving up. From her I took a wellspring of hope and strength.
I love who I am because of these women, the pillars of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Their failures are my failures, their successes are my successes, and mine theirs. And as I celebrate the passing of another decade, I want to celebrate them, because who I've become is also a part of them.
