I am a good girl because that’s what my Daddy wanted. Well actually he wanted a boy, but I did my best to be a good girl, tomboy, green-thumbed, smart child. I mostly did what I thought I should do.
I continued this as an adult. I aquiesced over and over. I let myself be over-ruled. I went along, especially when I was uncertain.

Paths were taken to please others…and now I am here. In the wrong place, in the wrong life. Counting down the years.

But this year has been too bad to go along with. My parents’ homeplace was sold. The things from my past are scattered with strangers. My soulmate, Sandra, died five weeks after surgery to remove cancer. I injured one hip while awaiting surgery on the other.

I could go on and on here. I won’t. Something changed as I was lying in my bed waiting to walk again. Acquiescing no longer seemed like an option. I wanted to follow my own path, not the “should” breadcrumbs left for me to follow.

Then the Universe stepped in just when I was sinking in the care-giver quicksand.

My good friend, Joyce, sent me a link to a Cheryl Strayed workshop occurring in March near my family’s mountain house. I signed up. Then I figured it would be a good thing to read all things Strayed in preparation. The Universe prepared me by encouraging me to order Tiny Beautiful Things months ago.

So into my life comes Dear Sugar the advice column writer that tells it straight/Strayed.

I am at my sister’s house helping her recover from knee-replacement. It is snowing. I finally have quiet time to absorb what Dear Sugar is saying. Low and behold, she is talking to me, Miss Be Good Do What You Should.

She put in black and white what people who love me were afraid to say. It is time to find my path and quit aquiescing.

I must be strong. I must be brave. I must set a good example for Rose.

Get ready world. Get out of our way.

Thanks Sugar and Joyce and the Universe

FLOWER (in bold)