My Memoir Part 1

So, it's time for a little back story. I'm baring my soul. This post is not meant to be a pity request, but a celebration of my triumph over the trials I was given by God to overcome. Please click out if there is to be any negativity surrounding this. I'm serious. This is the beginning of my new blog series to come about between my regular blogs.
Alrighty, here goes.
When I was 14, I made a decision that would haunt me for the rest of my life. I gave in to an impulse. I took a safety pin and carved into my left forearm. I was so angry with God for making me "that girl". I was angry at Him for making me the child of a broken marriage. I was the nerd. I was the girl who just wanted a friend. I was the girl who went to church, but even there, I was rejected by humans. I felt like a stranger in my own species. I wanted to fit in, in any niche in which I could even have a partial fit. To tell you how angry I was at God, I carved a cross, right near the inside of my elbow. I fell into a niche that I never intended in which to be. It became an addiction--and quickly. I wanted to escape the pain in my heart and head, so I turned to an alternative that was pain, but physical, that I could overcome. I definitely was crying out for help. I was screaming so loudly, I took a picture, once, of my arm after I cut. I needed to escape the voices in my head(satan) telling me I wasn't good enough. I wanted to escape the voices in the crowd that didn't accept me. I tried to fit in. Then, I gave up. I copied everything my best friend did. I wore black. I dyed my hair dark, I did it all. The only thing I didn't copy, was cutting. We both were cutters, and it just so happened to have started around the same time. In my case, I happened to choose a new form of self mutilation. When I was a small child, anytime I would feel stress, anxiety, or anger, I would hurt myself. I would bite myself until I bruised. I would pull my hair 'til I had a headache. I would hit myself. I would scratch myself. My parents fought quite a bit, so whenever there was tension, I would hurt myself. Then came teen years and sharp objects. First it was the safety pins. Then it was a blade from an eye pencil sharpener. After that, I stole a straight edge blade from my dad's box cutters. Once, it was a steak knife. Fortunately, I have decent skin, and there is very little evidence that I ever did this to myself. My wrists are scar tissue, but it's not obvious. One of the 1400 reasons I used, and still do, is that I was battling with my sexual orientation. I was being told I was wrong for even giving the thoughts the positive time of day. My heart said I was right. The Southern mentality said I was wrong. My church said I was wrong. So I punished myself for not being "normal". I was suicidal. I was not happy, in the slightest. 9 months after my last suicide attempt, I was caught. My cry was heard. I mentioned to my English teacher that I loved to write poetry, and I'd love for her to read it. I ended up giving her my diary. Due to a law held by every state, yet seldom enforced, I had to see a school psychologist. I had become a threat to myself and others. My mandatory reporter got me help. The turning point on this day? I had another suicide attempt planned--except I hadn't planned an attempt. I had a shard of glass about 1 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches long. I think you can figure out the rest. I hadn't planned to go back to my house that day. I was searched by the school officer. I was checked by the school nurse. Within 5 months, I was cut free. I have been, not only cut free but, mutilation free, for 5 years. I have had major temptation. The fights I had with the ex used to make my arms burn. I never gave in. When I graduated high school, I had a conversation with my Guncle, and again with my Aunt. I told both of them that I was really glad I got the opportunity to graduate. That was where the real congrats were deserved. They hadn't the slightest clue of my suicidal tendencies, thoughts, attempts, or mutilation. I have overcome so much in 5 years. As mentioned in my testimony, I ran from God. I never intended to run so far away. God had, and still has, a plan, and He knew that I would go, but He also knew that I would come back. I can only imagine what my life would have been life without His interventions. I know that I would not be the person you see today. I would be doing drugs, very broke, and probably homeless. I'd be in the depths of hell on Earth. I am a happier person now and I will be even happier tomorrow. I don't have the obvious evidence, but I can show you if you want to see. My scars remind me that the past is real, and without that reminder, I would not appreciate the progress I have made. I love my life because God is back in it, and that's perfectly fine with me. I love the family I have acquired in God. I can wake up everyday, knowing that it will be a good day, no matter what. Okay, so now I feel like I haven't made any sense, because I have had no structure except punctuation in this blog. But that is another blog for another time.
Until next time, peace and love

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

(insert creative title here)

Okay, so Pastor Shawn dunked me instead. No big deal, I just wish I would have been informed before hand, instead of walking toward the water and finding out. So, with the buildup of energy, my heart was racing for the entire service, and continued racing even after. My bestie came, and although she isn't a believer, in anything, she was there because it meant something to me.That's all I could ask for. If she ever wanted to find God, then I would be right there with her. Until then I tell her about my great church family, and I emphasize that it is my truth that I live, and my truth is in alignment with God's now.  Momma² didn't realize that I had included her in my testimony. That was until Pastor Shawn mentioned her name. The only person I could see was Karina(and Todd's shoulder) from the baptismal pool. I wholeheartedly believe that was not a coincidence. I could also see her reaction when her name was mentioned. It was necessary because without her, it would have been a longer chase. God definitely sent her to me for a reason, and I love Him for that. I was even shocked, because Pastor Shawn stopped and asked the congregation, "Are you a Karina? Who are you showing the way to?(or something along those lines). Thank you Karina." (watch the video for what he said) I was complimented on my writing abilities(*grin*) and even the person, whom is my "least of these", came up and hugged me and said congratulations. I feel clean. I feel pure. I feel renewed. Although this is a new day and a fresh start for me, I have my suspicions as to why there was a sudden cast change for my baptism. However, I shall keep it to myself until there is a confirmation either way. If it's what I think it was, I assure you, it didn't work! But, I digress. The love I felt after I came out of the bathroom, with soaked hair, was unbelievable. I know that it was not conditional upon my going up there, but it felt new, and fresh. Not necessarily different, but renewed. The great thing about it, is my Daddy wanted pics... he got a video thanks to my sister :) I am striving to find God in everything I do and experience. It's not always easy to see, but when I do, I feel overwhelmed by grace. To be able to witness each new day is an incredible blessing, and He taught me that a long time ago. He has given me my trials, and definitely my learning experiences, but He has always been by my side through it all. Those trials are what I assume hell must be like, and boy let me tell you, I'm glad I'm not going there! I have been saved from the flames. I pray that I never stray again, but should it happen, I know where, and to whom, I need to go to get back on that path.
I’m coming home
I’m coming home
tell the World I’m coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits and they’ve forgiven my mistakes
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
tell the World that I’m coming--"Coming Home" Diddy Dirty Money
Until next time, peace and love

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

45 Life Lessons(borrowed)

I read this and these really make you think. They are also very reassuring. Post after the lessons!

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , 
Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. 
It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August,  so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still  good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small  step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating  anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when  you are sick. Your friends and 
parents will. Stay in  touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every  month.

6. You don't have to win every  argument. Agree to  disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing  than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can  take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your  first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance  is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't  screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you  cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You  have no idea what their journey 
is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret,  you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of  an eye. But don't worry; God 
never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the  mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful,  beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does  make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy  childhood. But the second one is 
up to you and no one  else.

20. When it comes to going after what you  love in life, don't take no for 
an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets,  wear the fancy lingerie. Don't 
save it for a special occasion. Today is  special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the  flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old  age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the  brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness  but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with  these words 'In five years, will 
this matter?'

27. Always choose  life.

28. Forgive everyone  everything.

29. What other people think of you is none  of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give  time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it  will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No  one else does.

33. Believe in  miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is,  not because of anything you did 
or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the  most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative --  dying young.

37. Your children get only one  childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is  that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are  waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile  and saw everyone else's, we'd 
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already  have all you need.

42. The best is yet to  come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress  up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's  still a gift."

Friends are the family that we  choose.

That one that isn't numbered there at the end? That is the one that I love. The family I am building around me is abundant, rich, and bountiful. Are they wealthy? No way. Do I care? Oh no.

Number 10 is something I should have read earlier today, when I was resisting chocolate. I still want it. I have dark chocolate, but I really want a Kit Kat :D

Number 21, all lingerie aside, is one that I try to live by each day. Today is special, because tomorrow is not promised. So go out for Chinese food on a whim--on a SCHOOL NIGHT.

Number 3. Oh number 3. Hate is the biggest waste of emotion and energy. I would much rather be spent from loving someone, than hating. What good does that do? How does hate benefit you? How are you making the world a better place with hate in your heart? Bet you don't have a positive response to those.

So tonight after choir, youth group, AV club, and baptism class, Momma², Letha, Josh, and I, went to a hole in the wall Chinese joint that Josh knows of. They stayed open for us. We had a mini FDN and great fun! Good thing I get along with Roosters, huh Momma²? ROFL
Anyway, so I am being baptized on Sunday, and I am so excited! Josh and I were talking about it on the way to China Lee(great place and people BTW), and I told about why I went. They highly recommend it to those who would like to be baptized, but it's not required. I went because of the recommendation, and for the refresher course. Oh, and I absolutely love to read about the Saul/Paul transformation. I was Saul for a very long time, and through my transformation, I strive to be like Paul. I never killed a Christian, far less a person, like Saul, but I sure persecuted them. I also was glad to know that I could pick the Pastor to dunk me. I chose Pastor Don.
I chose Pastor Don for a couple of reasons. I enjoy his energy and his passion for God. I also chose him because he is the kind of Pastor that gives me the feeling of being home with God. I grew up in a Southern church(a few actually, but you get the gist). To me, the idea of God is very Southern. I love the Word being delivered with even the slightest Southern drawl. I know, I must be crazy, but it's my truth. Every time in my formative years that I have felt closest to God, was in the presence of an ordained, or liturgist, with a twang. My Daddy was the one who taught me the shortest verse in the KJV, John 11:35, "Jesus wept". My Daddy is one of my favorite liturgists I know. When he talks about God, his testimony, and how God has shaped and blessed his life, I feel so invigorated, liberated, and filled with Christ's love. My Daddy is human, and he has his shortcomings, but that is between him, and God. When I told him I gave my life back to God, and that I am getting baptized, he welled up, he choked up, and said "I am so proud of you, baby. Take pictures for me, ok?" I wish my Daddy lived closer to me. If he knew how to Skype, we'd have Bible study together. Pastor Don, has that little bit of a twang that is just the ticket. There's something to be said about a person with a drawl that has a passion for God. Ok, I'm going to bed :D
Until next time, peace and love

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

There's Witnessing, and There's Condescending...

My boss and I were talking about a particular member today and it really made me think. Because of the cross around my neck and her Christian Living Communities badge, this member, we'll call her Jane, was pleasant to me, gave me tips about her mechanic, where to buy a car, etc. Very cheery, very sweet. To my boss? She was condecending and rude. To the naked eye, my boss doesn't look like a "sinner" or non-believer. But to Jane, she seemed to appear to be satan in the flesh. Not to mention, told my boss in a very patronizing tone, "You could use Jesus in your life". They had not been discussing religion, and my boss would have liked to have kept it that way. Keeps the legalities in check. My boss was offended that her beliefs, or a lack thereof, were insulted--in the workplace, where she was defenseless. Jane had just insulted her, and without missing a beat, turned to me and resumed pleasantries. Uh. Come again?
How many people do you know like that? Unfortunately, I had come to expect it from Jane the milisecond I saw her name tag. I've not met someone that works at Christian Living Communities that has treated me like a human. I'm not saying all people there are like that, but seeing as how I was engaged to someone who works there, I have met a few. I pray there is someone that works for that company that will change my mind. Yes. I prejudged Jane. I was shocked she was nice to me, but not at all surprised at how she treated someone "unadorned". Seriously?
If you intend to bring someone to Jesus, you DEFINITELY don't insult them. Apparently I don't scream GAY because otherwise, she probably would have acted that way toward me.
With that being said, I wonder, how is the following response supposed to "convert" me: "You're pretty enough that a man could fall in love with you"??????? Seriously? Pretty is as pretty does, and baby, pretty ain't my thing. Wanna try that again? My response, "I'm pretty enough that girls like me more!" *giggle* Sorry everyone, I'm full of it today, so I'm just kind of ranting XD.
Anyway, back to my original point. Christ showed compassion and died on a cross for generations of brothers and sisters that he never saw. How hard is it for humans to simply give compassion? Sinners need love too. Jane didn't show love, she judged. That's DEFINITELY not how we're supposed to live. I pray for her sake, that one day, my boss finds God. However with people "witnessing" to her like that, it's a little farther fetched now.

Sometimes, An All-Nighter is Just the Ticket.

Even though I am battling a migraine, and some serious congestion, last night, was perfect. Yesterday, I ended my workday and headed to Movement 5280 to see "And If Not", and to see what God is doing for this teen drop-in center. Let me tell you, He is all up in that place! Those teenagers, although not as fortunate as some, are blessed to have a place of refuge from the demons of life. Afterward, I accompanied my family of the heart home and the night was just beginning. After a great prayer time, and scripture, conversation ensued. The prestidigitator and I were craving junk food, so we made a run to the golden arches. We exposed my Momma² to the greatness(and crass) of Ricky Bobby and his "Baby Jesus". Laughter, love, and fellowship. The Magic Man left, and my Momma² and I talked for hours. When I say hours, I mean we talked until 4 in the morning. Life, love, loss, fear, faith, you name, it, we discussed it.
(aside)A lot of my doughnut experience included my Momma², because for the beginning of 2010, she was right there, listening, discussing, and witnessing. I learned a lot from that job, and gained great friends. I cannot stand silence, because I can hear the committees better, so getting to know my future Momma² was inevitable. I thought I'd be judged. Never happened. All I received was compassion, and love. I bared it all(figuratively, of course), and got none of the negative I expected.
(back to my original thought) It was a night my heart and soul desperately needed to get back on track. The past few months, when I found myself sobbing, 99% of those times, my Momma² was right there to hug me and comfort me. When everything became real in the fall, she held me and prayed. Last night, although there were tough subjects discussed, there weren't sobs. A few stray tears, but nothing extravagant. So. Worth. It. I needed some bonding time. Yesterday, as a whole, reminded me of being back in my youth group, before moving, before being told I was going to hell. I had our blessing stuck in my head, in both musical form, and the chant. At the end of every youth group, we'd chant it. At the end of every worship in which we performed, we sang it(a little differently). So for my Momma² and all those who cross my path:
May the Lord bless YOU
And keep YOU
May the Lord make His face shine upon YOU
And be gracious unto YOU
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon YOU
And give YOU peace
Now and forevermore. AMEN.
 

Until next time, peace and love

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

A Blog Can Change Your Whole Perspective

A friend referred me to her blog, by saying, "Hey! I read your blog (like, I literally read almost every post...it took a while hehe) and I really like it. God is doing awesome things in your life. I'm blogging from Chicago at http://www.laura-windycity.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to check it out!" I knew of her relationship with God, but I watched it from the side lines. I admit, I prejudged her and thought she was just another girl from Highlands Ranch, who would hate me, because of a "sin" that I carry. Boy, was I wrong. She is nothing less than a God-lovin, people lovin, Gospel preachin, sister in Christ. She's doing amazing missions in Chicago and inspires me to do more missions here in Denver. I've met people of her high caliber and they are just the ticket to keeping me accountable. I am still a sinner, just like every human on this big earth, but I am redeemed, because He has washed me, clean.  "For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do" Romans 7:15 (NIV). Anyway, check out Miss Laura and her wonderful mission for God, because she is doing BIG things. I know I live by it, and I think she just might too, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13. Until next time, peace and love.   


May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

You Want Poetry, I'll Give You Poetry.

My once visible sins, erased
My once filthy slate, wiped clean
My once broken wings, repaired
My once visible scars, invisible
My once broken heart, mended
My once hollow soul, satisfied
My once restless mind, settled
My once pugnacious spirit, peaceful
My once broken path, paved
My once meaningless life, defined.

© 2011 meg young

Until next time, peace and love.


May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

:/

So I made a decision, and I don't know if I made the right one. I've got a lot of praying to do on this decision, because I have to determine if it meets, both my wants, and God's. I don't want to be that person that does something because "it feels right" but if it feels wrong, I definitely don't want to do it. My decision felt like the right decision, until I had made it. I made it without all of my information and I think I might have messed up. I definitely am sure that giving my heart to Christ was the right decision. I just don't know if the decisions that followed were the right ones. *sigh* Until next time, peace and love

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

My Path is A Little More Clearly Marked, Now

I had a breakthrough today in church. While singing Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace(which btw, I LOVE both the hymn and his contemporary version), my hands were lifted in praise. That, has never happened before. I've had the experiences before, but my hands never went into the air. Worship has brought me to my knees, but never to the magnitude as it did today. I fell to my knees at that alter, today, with gusto. My eyes pouring tears, I heard a voice saying to me, "My child, I am with you. Give it all to me and I will make you whole." I then heard a human voice say to me, "What can God do for you?" I replied, "I want to me made whole again. I have walked with Christ before but I have strayed." The voice asked, "So you walked away from Him?" to which I said, "I ran as fast as I could in the other direction". "He never left you. He has been chasing after you, and it seems He has caught up with you again. He'll never stop His pursuit of your heart." About this time, I felt hands laid upon me, an embrace from my left, my right hand grasped, and this voice spoke again, "Pray with me. Repeat after me." We prayed, and asked for God to come back into my heart, and make me whole once again. I was sobbing to the extent that I couldn't see. When I regained my sight, I looked up and saw Pastor Shawn above me, and my Momma², Karina to my right. To my left I saw the sweetest, most mature teenage girl I've ever met, Miss Letha, my sister of the heart. All I could do was smile between the sobs and express gratitude. The power of God's Grace through the touch of a hand is unspeakable. I have been redeemed by the Grace of God, and my slate has been wiped clean. Although it is a funny part in the movie, "Saved!" I feel this is an applicable quote: "I am FILLED with Christ's love!" and it's true. My story is written, although I don't know what is to come. I do know one thing, my number one on my bucket list, will be complete; be completely fulfilled.
♫ My chains are gone, I've been set free,
My God, my Savior has ransomed me,
and like a flood His mercy rains,
unending love, Amazing Grace ♫
Until next time, peace and love


May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Some Days Are Just Meh, But Some Days, You Just Gotta Dance

Some days I feel like all I am is a status. It feels as if my existence(to some) is for mere status. I hope that I don't make anyone feel that way, but if I do, I am deeply sorry. I hope that one day, high school will end, although I received my diploma 4 years ago. I love my friends, don't misunderstand, but sometimes, love isn't enough. Just like with my last relationship.There's just some aspects of life where you must give all or nothing.
Anyway! I received great news on Friday! My probation period is ending in 4 days(4 months early)!!!!! I get offered all of my benefits by March 1st! I've finally gotten the hang of my job, and not only that, with my probation ending, I got a raise! God is blessing me with every step that I take and I am so grateful to Him. I had a great ending to 2010 and a much better beginning to 2011(as compared to the beginning of 2010 and the span of 2010). I feel better than I did, this time last year. I may have felt good at the time, but I was in a trance. I was not myself. I had the chance to have a good long chat with the bestie on NYE and I told her I was not myself last year. She agreed. I am not going to let myself fall into a trance like that again. I want to fall in love, but not into the trance. I found a part of myself that I am dedicated to changing. Two separate people told me that in 2010, I was submissive. Those two people know me best. I am anything but submissive, except to my Savior. I surrender all to Him. I didn't know myself then. I can't say I now myself now, but I know myself a heck of a lot better than I did.
On this very bitterly cold night, I am waxing blog-etic. I got a tattoo to commemorate the end of 2010 for a cause. I got a pink ribbon on my foot. My great aunt survived breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy. I don't like her all that much, but she is family, and I love her. She fought a battle I would never wish on any woman--and won. Half because of being more stubborn than a mule, and the other half? Pure faith in science. I've done the Race for the Cure in her honor. I have donated money to Susan G. Komen. I have purchased a "I <3 Boobies" bracelet. I sent lids from Yoplait yogurt. I had a debit card that donated $0.10 for every dollar I spent to SGK. And now, I have a tattoo, for her and all those that are committed to a cure. For those of you who don't know, this is very personal for me, too. I had a suspicious lump when I was 16. It turned out to be benign and let to a diagnosis of fibroids. I have to limit my caffeine, salt, and soy(3 of my favorite food-like items) in order to keep the fibroids at a minimum. That experience made me proactive. That experience made me become more in tune with my own body. I know when something is not right. I also know when something is delightfully right. Should breast cancer ever affect me, I will be prepared to fight it. I pray that it never does, but God has a different plan than any of us do. To quote the late, great John Lennon; "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans"
Okay, enough waxing. Until next time, peace and love.


May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

New Year, Improved Me.

My new year's resolution is simple; improve me. I want to make myself a more well-rounded person. I want to improve every aspect of my life, even if it feels like it could never be better, it can be. I am going to make 2011 my year. I'm going to not look as hard for love, and let it find me. I'm going to be more guarded so that satan cannot get in as easily as he did last year. The person I believe was satan in human form, and I, would have been celebrating our one year anniversary in 6 days. It's hard to think about sometimes, but at the same time, I am so much better off without her. The tears have slowly began to be less frequent. The only time I seem to cry lately, is if I am feeling incredibly receptive to God. When my soul is open and my heart cries out for Him, the emotion overwhelms me. I am going to be the best me I can be. (sorry for getting all Oprah) I'm not going to be so gullible. I am not going to get so lovedrunk that I change who I am. I am back to the me I know and love. My Momma said she finally sees me as an adult, no longer a teenager. I feel more like an adult, and less like a senseless teenager. 2010, you will not be missed. You taught me way too much for me to have liked you, but I am so happy to see you go. You gave me some great people and for that I am eternally grateful, but I am glad that the bad, are out of my life for good. I am proud of the woman I am, and anticipate the woman I will become. Through Him, I will be improved. Until next time, peace and love.

May the road rise to meet you, 

May the wind be always at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face, 

May the rains fall soft upon your fields. 

And until we meet again, 

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.