When I saw and reminisced with my old Salinas friends, I immediately thought of the good as well as the not-so-good memories. I let the good take over and dismissed the overwhelming feeling I got when I thought of the not-so-good memories. With the not-so-good memories, I immediately felt the shame trying to take over, but I didn't try to fight it because it is a part of me and those feelings - those memories helped shaped the person I am today. In the end, I realized God placed these people back into mine and my son's life to help me realize and reflect all that I've/we've been through on this journey of life. All of these memories of good and not-so-good made me who I am today. I might not be perfect but these people love me for me and that's why they remain in my life today.
For my new and old friends aka my extended family - I love you for you, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. For my blood family, blood will always be thicker than mud - WE might not always agree on things, WE continue to love and support each other and WE stand together - I LOVE YOU. Thank you all for being in my life, my heart is always full and my love for y'all is unlimited.
I hope you all have this same love I speak of - if not, it's in you, just open yourself to it and your perception will change. Till next time, I bid you all love, light and compassion.
~Maria