Chapter 14: Faith, Family, Encouragement

Good evening, all. It’s Maya here, back with myself, and holding on to Janey’s letters for now.

Hope the world is spinning in the best way for you. Taking a step back for gratitude here, with a moment of reflection We are discussing heavy and dangerous life events. I believe, when the road gets heavy and long, you stop and offer gratitude. It can be found and the entire day can change.

Music is so important to my personal journey, health and healing. Gotta tell ya- in the game of “Would You Rather” I’d always choose to give up seeing over hearing. I have to hear the music.

Recently, I went to a concert. There was an Aunt/Niece combination dancing in front of me. They held hands, drank beer, knew the words to every song. The Aunt was in her late 70’s and had survived a massive fall with healing that included 22 staples in her head. The Niece was there every step of the way during the healing process, despite the miles that physically separated them. Phone calls, text messages, cards, letters and an in person visit or two.

They came to a central location to celebrate life and healing. They came to celebrate their relationship and support. By the end of the concert there were eight additional strangers, over two rows, holding hands to celebrate the Aunt/Niece celebration unfolding around us. Yep. There is the power of music.

That same evening I came home to a late night text message from my own Aunt Marnie. I love it when the Universe winks at you in such a beautiful way.

My Aunt Marnie did the same thing for me, during my escape from and healing over the disgust of Marc. Her intentional interactions helped save me. This text message on this particular evening was beautiful and the timing was perfect:
Evening, love. Time has a way of happening way too quickly. Can’t believe it’s been 6 years since we met in Seattle. Wow.

I keep thinking back to when we first started connecting. We talked or texted often then, and things I would say at times. I can remember your saying, “I’m writing it all down”. I would think “that’s nice”. It meant something but never knew it might be words that helped in some way.

My faith is strong and that’s where my comfort is found. I feel like I didn’t do enough to help you in ways I might have, but I didn’t truly understand what was happening. I knew you went in and off of FB. You were here and there and everywhere but I had no idea.

You spoke often of your happy place. Trying to find it as you were struggling . I feel you found it lies within you. You taking charge, you saying, “No, I’m better than this”, your faith , your family who I know loves you so much.

You are an amazing woman. Beautiful and caring and sooo open (except when you let someone else take full control) but that’s the past. The future for you is bright, full of the love you deserve, full of laughter, and wonderful memories.

One day at a time, growing like a small plant and being watered by our beautiful Lord and Savior. He loves watching you grow and takes pride in you stepping forward and taking charge. He created us to be strong, full of His joy, to help others…. all of that you are doing.

I love you dearly please, never hesitate to call on me.

Enjoy your happy place everyday. It’s right where you are right this moment, even if at times we can’t see it. It’s there at times when a choice can be difficult. Been there.

You are blanketed with love and never alone.
Xoxoxo Aunt Marnie

From my Aunt Marnie to you. May you know everyday, your happy place is right where you are at this moment.

Peace, presence, music and magic… always magic.
Maya

Radiating a belief in YOU being worthy of a #PlatinumPlatterLife. Believing you will find every resource you need. Check out Safe In Harm’s Way own part of the website which talks about Art and Literature as a way to engage and re-wire your brain.

SOUNDTRACK:
Max Frost, “Glow Long”

LYRICS:

I’ve been, I’ve been reaching for something
I won’t, I won’t never stop runnin’
I don’t, I don’t have to fear nothin’
I know, I know that my time’s comin’
Burn fast, glow long
Life is a game, just stay strong
One day your moment will come
You’ve got the sight of it
Burn fast, glow long
Life is a game, just stay strong
One day your moment will come
You’ve got the sight of it