(P)Roses from the Pandemic 10: Endgame

sometimes in order to survive you need to show some teeth

and they've guessed wrong

you’ve more than blossomed

funny how the tables have turned

and you've become this remarkable human being

this version of you has become reflective… intelligent

you’ve mastered this range of grit that has been proven by your achievements

do we ever think to ourselves that one day, who we are when we are 15 is only a small chapter

this is not a flip book

this is not a short story

this is a masterpiece that you haven't yet discovered

as we take our time working through our own novels

hustling through our dreams and desires

introspecting through challenges and accomplishments

let’s not forget about the rest, health, and intangible lessons that made this all possible

life is going to be hard

ill show up with compassion and affection to lift you up during tough times

to make you smile when you least expect them

thank you for providing me the language that helps me pause

to be more conscious of how I interpret and show up for the world

I’ve said this once, and i’ll say it again

those who love you for your wealth, knowledge and power

do not love you for you, but love the outcomes of what you’ve tirelessly built

flipping to read the final chapter spoils an ending that’s worth discovering