Today I was accused of being “entitled”.
Let me share why this is inaccurate concerning me.
I didn’t have the “luxury” of growing up in a safe home environment. I wasn’t loved, wasn’t cherished by my parents.
What I did have was abuse. I had hatred directed at me constantly.
What I did have was trauma. My favorite rapper describes my childhood home life perfectly— darker than Halloween.
What I had was an unsafe first marriage.
I’ve lived without a roof over my head because that was safer than the roofs provided for me. Yes— I mean homeless.
I am a survivor.
I am strong.
The military I served in provided me with all I needed to get to a much safer place.
Not necessarily safety— but a new direction, a healthy purpose, and a new start for my life.
I thanked my husband of 27 years today for taking care of me.
I met him through my military service.
He has provided me with a safe place to rise from the ashes of tremendous personal traumas I experienced the first half of my life.
He has always selflessly allowed me to home educate our children, to teach other children music, and to not be inundated with fear or guilt at just being alive.
He has made me feel cherished and appreciated not for what I do— but because of who I am.
Entitled?
Not me. Not ever.
Appreciative? Yes x ♾️
And so very thankful. Still. After all our years of marriage and crazed military life.
My gratitude has no end.
Jemtree's Heart 