By I often grumble about how difficult the crazy/beautiful journey is. If I did not, I would not be human. My chosen siblings are who I turn to after a particularly difficult day or week. They give me perspective. Usually, the conversation goes something like this:
Them: Hey _______ (Various nicknames go in that blank.) What is going on?
Me: Rough day. I am tired. I need a break.
Them: What happened?
Me: Are you sure you want to know?
Them: Come on _______. You know better than that. Talk to me.
Me: Well, …
Them: After I finish, Wow! How long has that been bottled up?
Me: A while.
Them: Typical. Is this life you are creating for yourself, with God and all of us to help you, what you want? Do you really want it?
Me: Yes, without question.
Them: What’s bothering you besides the obvious?
Me: I am just feeling the weight of what I am doing more than ever.
Them: Do you mean changing your life or changing the world from telling your story while dealing with the challenges your CP brings you?
Me: All of it. How did you do that?
Them: How did I know what exactly, sis?
Me: Understand exactly what I did not know how to explain to you properly?
Them: I know you. I know you know you are different. I know you do not like to talk about it, sometimes, but it must come out somehow. Here is what I know as well. You are a trailblazer. You are amazing. You are going to get push back/criticism every now and then, but you know better than to let it define you. You do not let it stop you. You call me, or one of your other siblings and let us help you cope. And do you know what?
Me: What?
Them: We’ are doing this. All of us, together. No matter how many conversations like this we must have, we will have that party we have been talking about for years…your way. We’ are going to celebrate who you were, are, and will be. Cry. I will sit here until you are all out of tears. Let it go. You do not have to be so strong all the time. Go ahead and cry.
Me: But…
Them: Cry.
I do, and after I stop, I feel better. Then they ask what is next on my never-ending to-do list. What is the most pressing. I tell them and we figure out how to not make me so overwhelmed. They are the reason I do not stop. I could not, even if I wanted to, which I do not. They have taught me to lean on the people who matter. Family is not just about DNA. They have taught me I possess a strength I did not know. I know no matter what they are going to be there, and they love me. They have taught me the power of a village, and the power of doing life together. Together we can move mountains, climb, and occasionally bust walls flat while changing minds, opening hearts, and changing the world. Together we are unstoppable and unbreakable. I love each of you. I am completely humbled, blessed, and blown away by each of you. Thank each of you for being part of my family and loving me. This is our journey, and I love even the rough days. Thanks for taking the journey with me. I am so proud of what we have accomplished, and we are just getting started.
