Being alone has given me the chance to clean the entire house, my room and bathroom excessively. If I was going to be staying here for 9 days, I wanted to be in a clean, organized house. Not that I don't already live in a pretty clean house, but I could now clean without people disagreeing with what I'm doing or getting in my way.
On Sunday I started reading My Story, by Elizabeth Smart. I walked up to the football field to enjoy the great weather and began reading. Today (Tuesday) I finished it. I almost finished reading it on Sunday but completed my night by doing some other things instead. This is the first book that I have completed in less than three days. I've never read a book that fast. Reading her book, her life, her nine months of fear and torture left me speechless. My mom wouldn't say I was speechless though. Within those three days of reading, I think I talked on the phone with her three times and each time I told her about the book. I would end up reading excerpts from the book out loud to her, describe what was going on, and give my views. She no longer needs to have this book placed on hold because I pretty much told her the whole story over the phone. My apologies mother. But I have never read such an emotional, gut wrenching, amazing, spirited book. I often felt guilty every time I would turn the page and continue to read. I didn't want to know what Elizabeth Smart went through, but I also couldn't stop myself from entering her world with every word that I read. Within the last page of her story, I began to think how long nine months really was. I thought of my own life living here in Arizona by myself with no family near by. I live here nine months out of the year to go to school and play tennis. December is the only time that I really travel home to see my family for the holidays. Every day I am either going to school, playing tennis or chilling at home. Elizabeth Smart spent most of her time siting in a makeshift camp with her abductors. For nine months she survived hell. Nine months is a really long time. Her family never gave up hope in finding her, and I hope my family never would either if I went missing. Elizabeth Smart is a blessed person to say the least. She has an amazing spirit and faith about her.
Today was spent watching our baseball team play. They played a double header and their first game started at noon. From noon until 4:30pm, Sally, Shiann, and Sonora (two friends of ours), and I sat out in the sun and watched some baseball. Between games we ate some lunch and then Sally and I brought out our inner gymnast skills. We began by doing handstands and cartwheels, but that wasn't satisfying our creative minds. Sally had the brilliant idea that she would do a back bend and then I would attempt to stand on her stomach. I felt I would not be able to do that without her crumbling downward. So I took the difficulty down a level and just stepped on her thighs. Towards the end, since I was wearing socks, I began sliding off of Sally. It made very a good dismount if I do say so myself.
About a month ago I saw this picture on Facebook that a page I follow posted. "Humans of New York" is the name of the page. So one night I talked Sally into trying to do this with me in our living room. Our first couple of tries weren't very successful. Since then we have practiced a couple of times. Today I believe we mastered it...after few failed attempts first.
This is the original pose...let this soak in. Then prepare to be amazed.
Ahh perfect.
Five more days of this fabulous break to relax and think to myself how beautiful life is. I have been blessed with an amazing family, two incredible best friends who I text everyday and video chat with frequently, one best friend/sister serving in the Army who I miss dearly, and a life worth living. Hope keeps me moving forward to a greater future. The struggles may persist, but I am strong enough to overcome and push through the dark clouds to view the sun shining above. I am like a Wolf. The wolf symbolizes free will, the ability to escape, unity and toughness. Since wolves are also related to dogs, they also represent loyalty and friendship. My family and friends are my pack. Together we work as one.
"Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it."
"Click"
It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger but then I'll admit
I'm just the same as I was
Now don't you understand?
I'm never changing who I am
It's Time - Imagine Dragons
My Story is incredible!! I read it so fast too. I cried through a lot of it and felt the spirit while reading too! Soo good. It's amazing how strong she was for being so young. Anyway, loved this post!! :)
ReplyDelete