Six Years Later

        While I was working at one of my three jobs this past week, I "ran into" someone from my past. While this person didn't see me, or at least didn't acknowledge that they saw me, I found myself spending the rest of my shift (actually, until I started writing this blog post), thinking about how different my life is more than six years after this person was a consistent part of my life. 

        First off, let me start by saying, it is truly amazing how much can change in six years. Six years ago I was a senior in high school, living with my wonderful family but also with my abusive step-father, trying to get into college, dealing with some heartbreak, and longing to be free. To be honest, reflectively that was probably one of the most difficult points in my life. 

        Now, am an adult. I have graduated from college with not only a Bachelor's but also a Masters and had an amazing time earning those degrees. I am doing work in a field that I love and have immense passion for. I am engaged to perhaps the best man I have ever known. I have my family, without the man that caused us all so much pain, and found another family in the amazing people who raised my fiancé.  I am independent. I have direction and I know what I want. I have goals, dreams, and plans and absolutely no doubt that I can achieve them. I am completely free. 

          Looking back, these past six years have been the greatest journey. I am proud of where I am, what I have survived and more importantly what I have and will conquer. So, I conclude this piece by saying thank you to that person from my past, for reminding me how lucky I really am.