you have

negatively impacted
and shaped so many areas of my life
that I should feel hatred and anger and resentment toward you
I could blame you for many situations in my life
affecting the life I have had to live 
but through my strength and healing 
I choose to take back my life
I will not be a victim
I have had to deal with a lot of situations
that granted probably stem from your abuse
but I will not be a victim of your choices
I am a survivor who will overcome
your weakness

I have

so many difficult questions
existing without answers
not sure where to turn
or how to survive amidst
the turmoil and chaos
placed in my life

just another stepping stone
to conquer
and I am confident I will be successful
it is just about the process of
getting there

school begins

I cannot believe it is that time of year again
where has the summer gone?

I experience back to school with mixed emotions
pride in my children and their accomplishments to date
sadness knowing they are growing up and I have fewer and fewer years with them as my babies
joy based on their ability to excel and master new things
awe in the amazing people they are becoming
happiness for the new talents and skills they will acquire
satisfaction believing I am not doing so bad