July 8, 2022

 

"Momma, do you think I am fraidy cat weirdo?" Opal asked. "Sweet Love, WHY would you even imagine that? You bravely bark when you see something not normal when you are at the watching window. You are the one who sits with me to keep me safe when the nurse comes to draw my bloods. You ignore Roman's gruff times when the others all avoid him; and you give him kisses."

"I won't say who but one of my sisters told me I was a weirdo not to want to go on bedtime walks. She told me there was nothing to be afraid of and that I should just do it."

"Opal, first, we are an entire Army of weirdos. Each of us all the way back to the beginning has a story that is not what most would consider normal. I like to think that is the reason we all found each other. Second, there are LOTS of reasons to not want to go on a walk and no one else has any business judging you for it. Heck, momma does not go on walks...and I appeciate that you keep me company. The point is just be yourself and don't worry about what anyone else says. Maybe tomorrow or next week or next year you will decide to try it out...but maybe you will always be happy getting your exercise in the yard and staying close to home. It takes bravery to do what you feel is right, especially if it is not the accepted view. 

"Spend no more time fretting, my Sparkling Girl, I love you exactly as you are." "REALLY?" "With all my heart."