It was a few weeks ago, that I reached out to Annie, and asked her if she would write a guest blog and be featured on my blog! She was so sweet, and great and said yes! I have been following her blog (here) for a while now, and I have fallen in love with her poetry, and the way she writes! She is an amazing writer, and definitely one that I aspire to be like! I asked her to write for y’all about overcoming an obstacle or difficult challenge in her life. Here is her response + a special poem as well! Enjoy!
My father left when I was 16. I was in high school. I remember it as if it was yesterday – the house feeling cold as steel, dark as night; my mother telling me that my father would no longer live with us starting that day.
Before then, I had spent years quietly listening to my parents fight. In a way, I had seen it coming, but it was a blow nonetheless.
In the weeks that followed, my grades were falling. I built a wall; I didn’t let anyone get near. Being an only child, I was my only best friend. Mother and I did not know how we could survive – whether we would survive. There were dark days, and then there were darker days.
A few months later, the patches got rougher, and we moved to live with my maternal grandparents.
They didn’t have much, but we had roof over our heads, and they made sure there was food on the table. They helped pay for my school fees, books, courses, and exams. They accepted us with open arms and showed us unconditional love. They believed in me. They taught me how to be grateful and appreciate little things. I knew that I would never be able to pay them back, but I promised myself I would make them proud.
So I did the only thing I could do then — I studied hard, really hard. I hung with the crowd who kept me straight. My family, especially grandfather, was my rock – my acid test was always “what would granddad say if I did this?” He kept me on track. By my final year of high school, my grades improved, and I was accepted in a top state university in the province, which was a big deal where I’m from, back then. I was the first granddaughter on both sides of the family to do so.
Upon graduation, I went on to work with a reputable firm and stayed with them for 15 years – an experience I will never forget, for it opened my eyes, took me places, introduced me to people who mattered, supported me, helped me grow. I met my husband there, a wonderful, loving man. We can afford to give ourselves little treats from time to time, go on holidays, and eat out occasionally. Things I never thought possible, when I was 16.
When someone asks me what I take away from my childhood my answer is this:
Just because a girl (or boy, for that matter) comes from a broken home doesn’t mean they are broken. If you know of one, extend a hand if you can, and believe in them. They may not be able to pay you back, but they may go on to help someone else. If you are the one, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Hang with people you look up to. Find a role model. Stay on course. Keep your eyes on your goals. When you have your heart set on something good, nothing can stop you.
photo credit: GLady
***
“Not Broken”
by Annie
I may be rough around the edges
chipped at the tip
but I’m not broken
you may see me retreat
and hide from the crowd
but I’m not broken
take me in under your wings,
cradle and polish me,
and give me a chance
to help me find
new light
I’m chipped, but
I’m not broken.
Everyone please go check out her blog, like her post, and follow her! She’s an amazing writer, and you will not regret it!
Thank you so much again Annie for writing such a great post/poem and I hope you come back soon!! 🙂
sheridanjohnson.com 
Dearest Sheridan, thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I feel privileged.
I wrote you a little something, because you are one of the three good things I’m thankful for this week. Love and blessings to you and yours. ❤
https://whatthewomanwrote.wordpress.com/2016/01/08/strong-souls-steady-start/
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You are VERY welcome and I am very blessed and thankful for our growing friendship!! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
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This is perhaps the most heart-felt piece I have read in a long time…reading this answers so many questions about the person Annie is…bravo!!! Thank you for sharing 😀
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YES!! Annie is amazing and I think that has truly made her such an amazing/inspiring writer, because of her past! Thanks for reading along!! 🙂
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I agree!!! You are welcome 🙂
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This is so sweet! I’m so happy to see you including a guest blogger in your post. I love sharing creativity within the blogging community ❤
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Thank you so much Reeanna Lynn!! Our community is amazing and I love showing off different aspects about other blogs, that mine doesn’t offer! 🙂
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