My Story.

Today. For the first time in my life I was thankful for those dark moments of my past. Why? Because those experiences have given me the empathy and compassion to understand that sometimes people make bad choices. That doesn't make them bad people. We have to look beyond the actions and see the person. Because let's face it... do you really think the promiscuous teenage girl is doing it because she likes the sexual contact? In all honestly, it is probably the opposite. How do I know? I was that girl. I was that teenage girl making really bad choices. I was the girl cutting class, smoking a cigarette in my car in the parking lot. I was that wounded soul looking to fill that void in my life with all things bad. I spent many years regretting these choices. Carrying shame with these choices. A typical facebook encounter tonight helped me realize that having those experiences taught me first hand to look beyond the behavior and listen to the story. There is always a story. My story has some dark moments that tend to overshadow the sunny days. Abuse. Death. Tragedy. As a young girl I let those dark moments consume me. I let those moments shape "my" story. Luckily, my life took a turn. I met a loving, pure hearted boy that saw beyond my imperfections and looked at my heart. My soul. He loved me tenderly. He saved my life. I often wonder where my life would had gone had I not met this incredible person. So, tonight I write this in my warm, loving home with that same tender hearted man who has given me the most wonderful gift. The gift of directing me to be the person I was always meant to be. Passionate, loving, giving, and so much more. Take the time to listen to the story. It will change your life.