Yes, as a therapist myself, there are days I reflect on my childhood and life timeline—the good times and the difficult times. I find it helps to ground me, to be grateful for what I have, and to see how far I have come.
I will just share glimpses of my childhood for this post, and maybe this might encourage you to share yours to inspire others to acknowledge, embrace, nurture the inner child and the life you have lived so far. You have a story to share. It is uniquely yours!
I was born in the 70's. Little did I know, I would encounter so many life happenings. Little did I know at 6 years old, mom and dad would separate. For the next 2 years my brother and I would live with grandma and uncle. The year we lived with our uncle felt like "hell" and maybe an Asian Cinderella, but I endured and survived beautifully.
Life continues. Life goes on.
In 1980, we were finally together as a family of 3. It was like a dream come true - but mom wasn't in the picture. Life in America was not easy as an Asian American and it was difficult to follow dad's "American Dream" lifestyle, moving to a new city every 2 years - didn't have time to think or ask about mom. In hindsight, I played the role of a "therapist" for dad and my brother. Every new city we moved to, I met friends and soon parted. It became familiar. I experienced prejudice and discrimination along the way. Didn't know how to process it. Didn't speak the English language well enough to assert myself, and didn't want to burden dad - he worked 3 jobs. Hardly saw him during the weekdays. We saw him late a night or on his days off which was very rare. But on his days off he would take us to the mountains, oceans, picnics, taught us to ride bikes, play tennis, and roller skate. I learned to love the outdoors! Thank you dad!
Life continues. Life goes on.
I graduated high school and dad provided the opportunity for me to reconnect with mom - it had been about 13 years since I saw her. Feelings went numb as I watched mom cry. She asked me to live with her, but knew I couldn't because "who would take care of dad?" Once again, we left but mom didn't come. I continued to stay beside dad as he pursued his American Dream. Life in America continues. It seemed as if resiliency, perseverance, determination, to keep going, and not giving up became a part of who I am.
Life continues. Life goes on.
I graduated college with an Education degree, and taught for over 14 years. During my teaching years, dad passed away. Dad passed away in 2018 after 10 long years of being bedridden. It was one of the most difficult times. I know dad is in heaven. I love you dad! Yes, this was very difficult. Words could not express the sadness I felt in my heart. I cried and cried. I was on a long healing journey grieving over the loss of my dad. But soon, I began remembering the good childhood memories I had with dad. He was an amazing dad.
I returned back to school to pursue Counseling Psychology. I never imagined I would be a therapist. So thankful. In looking back, God's divine calling and purpose was guiding, leading, and building my character with each bend, each fork in the road.
Life continues. Life goes on.
Mom and I have reconnected as adults. We make an effort to stay connected as best as we can.
Life continues. Life goes on.
Note for You the reader:
You are unique. You are special. Your life story matters.
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