“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass… it’s about learning how to dance in the rain. ” — Anonymous
A MEMORY
I vividly remember that as a teenager, I had an impulsive moment when my best friend and I ran outside in the rain, splashing through puddles in our barefeet and kicking mud at each other. I had known my best friend since childhood, and despite how much we’d grown or how the years had changed us, we stubbornly clung to the carefree laughter and antics that marked our girlhood.
Then, we realized that splashing in the mud definately was not “cool”. So we decided to wash our hair instead, scrunching our fingers through tangled waves to form kinky ringlets. Muddy toes were washed and pearly pink polish was smoothed over our nails. Dry our faces, apply mascara and eyeshadow according to the virtues of “Teen” magazine. We listened to our favorite songs on the tape player, and danced to thunderous bass.
And I look back, and smile… And I cling to those memories as I try to reshape my life from abuse and homelessness..and remember what it meant to be happy.
Lynn Mari, © 2009.
