Ty Ty Tee Tee Ty:)

My cousin sent this picture of a me as a little girl. When I first looked at this picture I smiled and then the tears rolled down my eyes. I began to see more than I expected. I saw that this little girl became an adult far too soon.

Through the shaky smile, I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was carrying burdens that were not meant for a child to bear. My eyes, though bright with innocence, also held a depth of understanding that comes from experiencing more than my fair share of challenges. In that moment frozen in time, I could see the resilience and determination that would eventually carry me through the difficult times.

My youthful innocence and the glaze in my eyes pulled at my adult heartstrings. It is a bittersweet reminder of the journey that I had undertaken, the lessons I have learned, and the strength I had to find within myself.

The smile on my face is a testament to my spirit, it is also a glimpse of the courage that allowed me to keep moving forward despite the obstacles in my path. And as the tears rolled down my cheek, those tears represent not just sadness, but also a deep sense of empathy and admiration for the little girl in the photo. I had faced so many challenges beyond my years but I persevered and I continue to push forward.

While that little girl was one of the smallest kids in the class she had the biggest mouth and commanded the room when she arrived. My parents gave me confidence that pushed me out of my comfort zone and sometimes it got in my way. But it helped me to challenge others, not to accept everything that was handed to me and also not to settle for less.

In this moment of reflection, I am reminded of the power of resilience, the beauty of growth, and the importance of cherishing the inner child that still resides within us all.

The picture is more than a little girl's drive but a symbol of strength, courage and the willingness to endure and thrive, even in the face of adversity.

FYI: My sense of fashion remains the same....LOL

This is Me and Nothing is Normal!