growing up

it is the week of my birth.
i wonder what my mom was thinking about?
managing 3 other children carrying me inside
in the heat of june.

june 29, 1973 i came into this world.
the vietnam war had finally ended
and the world was in it's regular disarray.
i knew nothing about it. i was new.

growing year after year i became aware.
i grew with a sensitive heart.
the years were not always easy.
some years i thought i would break.

love kept me growing.
i sat an edge of cliff in 1989 and chose life.
i live a life of love because i cannot imagine any other way.
as years pass and i grow, i see value in everyday.

i celebrate my breath.
i celebrate the blessings who walk beside me.
i celebrate a voice that stills my soul.
i celebrate the chance to sit with broken pieces
and make a mosaic of love.
growing up.