I am just getting my life together.

You know, finally coming to the end of paying my dues for wrong turns I made in my youth. I am somewhat crawling out of poverty, finishing my degree, and ending my first year as a real teacher. I have shaped my social media platform how I like it, ridding it of toxic people, and any authors of racist comments. I was gearing myself up for worldly causes, making intentions to find meaningful relationships near me, preparing my teens to drive, and graduate high school.

I was literally just getting started. BAM! Breast cancer. Again.

My remission was 15 years.

I have to remind myself I did so much. I fought so hard. I grew in leaps and bounds during that time.

This older version of me is handling things very differently.

There is a mourning of loss that I recognize, as well as a rebuilding. I am trying hard to recognize the pain and move through it. To be in gratitude and honor my sadness is my main goal. I have found this strength and vulnerability in the art of words and photos. I have been developing a series dedicated to my body.

For you

I rid of mountains,

I flatten valleys,

I suck out rivers of blood.

For you

I reform my body,

I rename the parts,

I reimagine our time.

For you

I change the story,

I change our space,

I change the shape

For you

I fight and heal,

I destroy and rebuild,

I hate and love.