Learning How to Live without the Tornado

I had lived with the tornado so long I forgot what life was like before it raged. 

My daily life changed. The way I saw life changed. The way I mothered my two boys changed. The way I loved my husband changed. It took time. It took years. 

During those years, I chose to forgive and let go. I forgave my mom, my dad, my stepdad, my stepmom, my stepsisters, and anyone else that had hurt me. 

I realized that I saw life through lenses of pain. It skewed my vision and distorted reality for me. 

I thought that my dad didn't want me. I realized he did, but he knew my mother needed me more. 

I thought many things, but was corrected in time. 

I realized that my mother's episodes were not my fault, but she has a disorder. 

I realized that I made it through many difficult circumstances for a reason.