Hello My Friend,
I just had to share this post with you – to honor my aunt and perhaps encourage someone to keep going…
Woke up thinking of my auntie who will be buried tomorrow in Trinidad. And I didn’t realize until a few hours later that she actually saved my life. A woman of great strength, aunty Cecelia was. As a little girl playing and running the hills of La Mango village in Trinidad, I observed her being feisty, out-spoken and deeply protective of her loved ones. I’m sure she had the biggest impact on me being able to see myself as a fighter and not a victim – and I now know this perspective saved my life. So I love and honor her deeply.
THEN… I ran into this article about Madison Holleran, a 19 yo who committed suicide last January. A student at Univ of Penn, perceived by all to be the picture of accomplishment and success. It really struck me, again, how precarious life is.
And it also struck me how much my Aunty Cecelia, bless her soul, did for me. Though in the midst of being victimized, her example gave me another view of possibility. Being a victim wasn’t my only choice… I could be a survivor, stand up and be strong! If not for that powerful impact on my impressionable mind – up until my 10th birthday when I left TT, God knows where my sadness might have led.
People are in serious, life-threatening pain and we have no clue. This young lady, Madison was in deep pain and was about to seek help but gave up and ended it all…leaving gifts for her family. So heartbreaking! There are so many others in pain and even on the verge of ending it all. I wish I could help in some way…
If I could just be a reminder that we are capable of surviving the most horrific pain and violation… Many do survive it and even thrive. I did. It’s getting past the most unbearable pain. Just hold on, hold on tight to the hope of peace…this too shall pass! Reach out, seek help…surrender it all to God. And once the worse feeling of despair is reduced, keep on holding on tight to hope, love and the vision of you as a survivor. Peace is right around this pain.
Sending love, a ton of love… And, thank you Aunty Cecelia!
Wishing you peace, love and joy,
