Welcome to Reflections on Resilience

Chalay the chimpanzee — a cherished childhood toy with a gentle face, soft brown fur, and kind, soulful eyes.

Where My Journey Began: Early Lessons in Strength

When I look back on my childhood, I see a girl learning to survive before she even knew what strength was. Every loss, every displacement, shaped me into someone who never gave up — even when no one was looking.

Some of my earliest lessons in strength were born in the spaces where love felt fragile and fleeting. Whether it was saying goodbye to my beloved toy chimpanzee, Chalay, after my rabbit accidentally destroyed him, or navigating the ache of my father’s illness and the uncertainty of foster care, these losses became quiet teachers. They showed me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship — it’s about holding on to a small light inside and carrying it forward.

There were moments when I felt overlooked and alone, yet a deep inner voice kept telling me I could rise. Every goodbye, every tear, every step into the unknown built the foundation of the strength I would lean on for years to come.

That early strength was not loud or celebrated; it was gentle, persistent, and steadfast — just like the Light that kept guiding me. My journey began as a frightened child trying to make sense of an unpredictable world, but those fragile years planted the seeds of resilience that would help me grow into the woman I am today.

A Note to You

As you read this, I invite you to pause and reflect on your own early lessons in strength. What small, quiet moments shaped you before you even had words for resilience? Perhaps it was a kind gesture, a loss that changed you, or a voice deep inside telling you to hold on. I’d love to hear your thoughts — because every story, including yours, deserves to be honored.