Jenny

It's 4AM, and my mind churns with a million thoughts.

Yesterday, I received a surprise from Walker. I rub the small, gold charm at my throat. It's an Awen. Walker sent it to me. Touching it, I can feel him with me. I miss him so much.

Accompanying the Awen was a poem. When Aunt Ciara read it to me, my heart swelled twice its size.

"Mind, Body, Spirit.

Past, Present, Future.

You have transformed me.

Fire, Power, Passion.

Awen.

Eternal.

A balance of Man and Woman.

Mind, Body, Spirit.

I am undone and reborn."

I am so in love.

When I was little, my mother always taught me to be strong. To be positive and to never give up. To fight for what I want. To always work towards my dreams. My father was by my side as well. He pushed me on. He gave me his love. He never let me give up. When they passed, my grandparents picked up their torch. They gave me their unconditional love, despite their own pain.

I hold onto my Awen around my neck.

One day, Walker's going to come home. And like my family, he deserves someone who can speak; who can express how much love she has for him.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

It's time for me to be who I'm meant to be. My aphasia is not me. I'm going to overcome this condition. I'm going to get better. I'm going to be strong. I'm going to make my parents and family proud. I am going to be the person Walker knows and loves.

I sit up and turn in bed. I pull the covers back from my legs and look around. There 's a pile of word cards on my desk by the window. I pick them up on the way out of my room. It's still early, but I don't care. I'm going to go for a run and then I'm going to get started. I make my way towards the kitchen. I set the timer on the pot of coffee so it's ready when I get back. I feel myself smile, a true smile, as I tie my sneakers by the door. 

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Artwork Copyright 2018 A. E. F.

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