Choices

I have always been fascinated by stories from artists, musicians, and actors. Exotic people from faraway places captured my mind. Their struggles, triumphs, and courage I would recall when life was hard. Only years later would I realize I had my own inspiring story to tell. I never dreamed that one day America would be my home. My earlier years were not easy; I was homesick and made foolish choices. Life's twists and turns brought me back to Holland, where memories came flooding back. The clouds in my head could only be chased away by reliving the past. I had to find the courage to write in a foreign language and expose secrets that still haunted me, Secrets that changed me and were the real reasons I had to leave the country I love. I had to describe how I fled to unknown places without money, friends, or even a plan. But no longer did I think of myself as helpless. I could make my own choices. Maybe I was tossed in the sea of life, but it was up to me to swim and to confront my fears. I found my safe harbor and to my surprise, my husband, who is there for me no matter what. I no longer let circumstances dictate my life. Instead of despair, I now wake up in the morning glad for another day with my husband, our dog, and our home. The girl no one loved is gone; the mother who left her does not matter anymore-nor does the life she once lived. Looking back, I realize that mistakes made were lessons learned. I do not count wealth by money, but by love and friends. I have found that I am very rich indeed. It is my hope that my story will inspire and give hope and courage to others. Every life truly matters!