Sonder: Youth Mental Health Stories of Struggle & Strength | Page 18

REMEMBERING PAIN CONT.
Through painting I expressed feelings that couldn't be put into
words, showing that from adversity comes an opportunity to
understand and empathize. Through a great deal of processing
and therapy, I found I could not blame a man who couldn’t even
remember his name. How would anger be productive for him or
me? Unfortunately, Dad doesn't have the capacity to talk about
anything much more significant than his houseplants. I must
now practice forgiveness and search for my own peace. It's not
easy, but it's a journey I seek using the bravery I have gained
from this experience. God, grant me the serenity to accept the
things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and
wisdom to know the difference. I cannot change my childhood
or Dad's alcoholism. In a strange way, I am appreciative of the
skills I have developed from this pain. I am no longer quiet,
reserved, and scared; I have grown into a woman who can speak
truthfully and confidently. I have learned to be courageous, to
rip the curtains open to shed light on what was a dark secret, to
create space for the next part of my life to flourish and bloom.
I am fully confident that I will continue this in college and in my
future in a career involving creativity, organization, history, and
international relations. I will always speak my truth so that no
one is ever cornered in the laundry room again. ●
16  Abuse, Addiction, & Loss