I faced a decision the other day -- one that honestly shouldn't have taken much time or thought. It was simply about passing information along because it mattered to two people. It was the loving and right thing to do. However, it involved navigating an unknown territory for someone in the family with whom I have never encountered issues, but who is in a strange place. I have found myself in the middle, and having been that person before, I understand how uncomfortable that position can be.

I empathize with those who have a strong loyalty and I understand that enmeshment can be paralyzing. There's so much truth that remains unspoken, and many things you want to address but refrain from out of fear of losing everything you know. I empathize with those who find themselves in this situation. Still, I do know deep down eventually they will see all the facts and truths. They will be brave enough to step forward and embrace all that life and truth have to offer, and they deserve.  

Setting boundaries often involves stepping away from people who make you question everything and can turn something as simple as sharing information into a complex ordeal. Establishing boundaries takes away their power. I did the right thing and shared the information with love because I understood its importance. 

Don't let anyone drain your energy. Rise above it all - above them. Life is bigger and better. Strive to be the better person. 

Generational Trauma and Healing on Mother's Day

 A week ago, after about 20 years, I received multiple calls from my "mother" - the woman who gave birth to me. There were so many calls that I could hardly keep up, all within 18 hours. However, she didn't call to apologize, express regret, or seek forgiveness for the harm and abuse she caused me. She didn't attempt to make amends for the pain she brought my family, which was my breaking point. She also did not try to make amends for the cryptic and hurtful messages via email and social media in the years following. 

After the first call, I set a clear text establishing a boundary: this communication would not be continued. She ignored my boundary, even though I knew she saw my message, and the calls and love bombing persisted. Then, things became frantic. She ended up in a hospital near me, abandoned by everyone, and wanted to move in with ME! I sent her a second text, reminding her of my boundary and stating that her actions constituted harassment. 

The sixth message came through as she called again. At this point, I texted a sibling- the one who is always there for but it seems like he wasn't now. Who knows what tails she was spinning in her chaos. This was the same sibling I told years ago to protect his wife and future family because she would cause chaos. Also, the sibling who was upset with me because I wouldn't attend/ be in his wedding, because our mother would be there and I needed to protect my family. Seems like perhaps he may understand now? I urged him to take care of his mother. They were close, so I believe it is handled.  Now, we can hope she is no longer just two hours away from us. We have consciously chosen to live 2,000 miles away from everyone. 

I don't want to allow this Mother's Day to be overshadowed by negativity. I want to emphasize that even when people abuse you, make you feel unworthy, and gradually destroy your sense of self from a young age, it is possible to rise above it. When raised on lies, the truth will eventually come to light, for three will always emerge : the sun, the truth and karma. 

It took me a long time to confront everything I endured as a child, including the struggle to be the "perfect" one who cared for everyone to prove my love. I aimed to provide my family with the "family" I see and feel everyone deserves. The family you see splashed everywhere especially on holidays like today. Through my healing journey, I discovered that what we needed was for me to step out of the toxicity fully and end the cycle allowing OUR new line to begin. I realized that family that I thought they deserved was only holding us under and making our family line sick with their continued lies, acceptances of abuses and toxicity. You have to fully let go to end the trend. I realized that the choices made by my parents and family do not define me. My healing truly began when I understood their choices ( and lack of ownership of them ) , opinions and reactions reflected who they were, not my values or worth. I think forgiveness is important but forgiveness does not mean allowing people back. I do not have hate in my heart for her. I forgive her for the unforgiveable. I hope she finds peace. 

My Mother's Day gift, now and every day, is our children. We have created a beautiful family that embodies the values of truth, honesty, empathy, compassion, love and open communication. We genuinely value and enjoy each other, not just love one another. My children are my legacy and greatest gift to this world, and it is my honor to be their mother. 

Each Day is a Gift

Dec 28, 2024 - This was 10 years ago today. 16 years ago I feared I would never see my children grow up. This weekend I saw my oldest marry his love. Thank you God.

I shared this personally on December 28, 2024. At the time I wasn't using this blog so I am sharing now. I have decided though it is something I am going to put much more effort into now. I have so much to say and this feel like the place I want to do it.  I started this in 2013 and stepped away about 5 years ago. So many of you have been along with me on my journey through Facebook since 2012. This day was a big day for me. My children are the world to me. 

Holding Space for All

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and every year I’m filled with sadness and anger for the children who were not protected. I was one of them. This is not the easiest for me to talk about because I have always hidden behind this a bit. I have forgiven those at a time I should not have simply because as a child and a young adult I needed love and wanted the comfort of a somewhat normal family like everyone else. As a child I was scared to say too much to anyone because the fear of the unknown was far worse than the daily horror I knew. That I knew I could get through because it was my normal which was not normal at all. I knew at the end there would be a space and then they would act normal again. After all we appeared to be "Golden Family" until the truth started to fall out little by little. I realized from raising my family that these patterns that were normal to me were abuse in themselves an extension of my childhood abuse. I saw the patterns from those people start to come close to my children. Then I had to start cutting ties. I went no contact with one parent the patterns kept going but just with me. In my attempt to be loved I became the people pleaser and did all I could for so long to be perfect. To help at a drop of a hat fly cross county and save the day. Save the day for people over years, putting them first for months even when they wouldn't cross a puddle for me or mine let alone states. Relentlessly going through the patterns of being gaslit, ignored, adored over and over simply because I was someone they needed not someone they loved. Until the truth of what they did came out when I did a dna test building my ancestry tree. The truth exploded. Again, I let new people in. People who should have appeared safe. Then again I learned about narcissists. They are either the victim or the hero but never the villain. I had a major health scare from the stress put up on me from this. So I healed and I grew and I made my life a safe space. A place where I could breathe. All throughout my life there have been people who have listened to my story if I have felt safe enough to open and share. Many are so cherished and are my given family. There are some though that weaponize all I have been through against me. Even at 50 same as when I was 15 this is why people do not share. It is why abusers of all types get away. It is why this continue. It is why generational trauma never ends. I can tell you though in my leg of this tree - it is over. For those in this world who do not listen to all survivors -It is time for change or this will never end.

Sending love to ALL victims not just the one people choose to hear. I have space for you all.

4:41 AM

4:41... AM. No, not insomnia. I got up at 4:30 to get the coffee going ☕ make breakfast and whatever else is needed to get Liv out the door to College peacefully as I do daily. Thank goodness it is usually not at this painful hour, still early though .Why? When I was 17 my mother told me I was not worthy to go to college even though it was what I dreamed of. A career in the medical field or social work. If someone tells you that you are not worthy remind them that you are. If someone destroyed your dreams. Build new ones. My children are destined for greatness. It is our honor to support and nurture that in any capacity. They are more than I could ever dream of and am so proud to witness it.

It is kind of ironic this reminder came up on International Women's Day. In working on our family tree this year I came across a huge family tragedy. My Poppa's family on my maternal side comes from hard working German immigrants who were coal miners in Pennsylvania. On this day in 1886, 3 of them were killed on one of the worst explosions at the Uniondale Mine. My 3rd Grandfather 40, his son and namesake 18 and his brother were killed. While this tragedy is soul crushing and heartbreaking enough for my 3rd Great Grandmother. While she was attending their funeral their youngest child an infant died as well. They had a total of 10 children she was 40 years old. She ended up living until 1931, 86 years old. On her gravestone it simply said "Mother". On this International Women's Day I would like us all to remember the unsung hero's. The women that have faced such extreme sadness, challenges and tragedy but didn't fall down. They stood up. Their love for others helped pull them through. It wasn't easy but day by day they did it. Today I honor Gertrude Cope and hope that there is a little bit of her in me

 

National Epilepsy Day

National Epilepsy Day is today. Most of us who have a seizure condition will not tell you. Why do you think that is? Because we are ashamed. We are scared that you will think less of us. Well I don't. I have told you lots about my life the last 12 years and it has not always been pretty. If you think less of me for the way God made me. I don't mind because one thing this condition has given me is strength. I am not considered an epileptic because that handful of medications I take every single day. It keeps my brainwaves even. You have to have 2 or more seizures to have epilepsy at this point with one - I have irregular brainwaves. With every good though there is bad. This medicine has given me many side effects. Many I have dealt with over the years and many I am just starting on another journey with. So if I teach you nothing else. I will teach you compassion for those with this or ANY invisible illnesses. Even though I look ok if I have another seizure there is a high risk I could pass from it as any seizure patient can. I will teach you what to do if you see someone having a seizure. Most people have NO clue. Over a lifetime 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with the disease. Yeah. ➡️1 in 26 ⬅️This is why I'm so passionate about being healthy and living a clean and toxin free life. Everything I do to be healthy lowers my risk. I know I down a handful of pills a day to live but I will do my best to make sure the rest of my environment is as safe as possible. Some people say, Why try with all that is in the air and all around? Everything you do causes something. 🤦🏼‍♀️❎ I say, why not! I will reduce my risk to as many chemicals and toxins as I can. This isn't just about me. It is about my family too. Making choices for them now can set them up for a better future.