New Beginning With Ike

I have spent my entire life making sense of my parents in an effort to make peace with my childhood. When people look at a woman who has been abandoned by her father, it becomes a reflection of every other man that walked away because it was too hard to stay. Her words are often weaponized due to the experiences she has endured. She will build a fortress of barriers that will hurt her to construct but it will be safer than the embrace of a man. Her heart will often remain tucked in places she buries + forgets to check hoping someone finds it minimally damaged. Its quite complicated!

This picture is a reflection of a relationship that is on the mend. A mere likeness of two people that are more alike than we are different. A depiction of two individuals learning to extend grace where previously none was given. Our relationship has been fractured for years; yet we both have gained enough perspective to remain hopeful. Relationships take work + they require the same amount of forgiveness that we need + so desperately desire. This photo is a new beginning because life is too short + we must cease every moment even if it means beginning again + again.