Today’s prompt: Who was the person you used to be?
Who was I? I was a girl mom, daughter, and sister, always up for playing cards or playing outside. I went shopping for fun, enjoying the company of “the girls.” I was a sometimes-silly, sometimes-wry jokester, happiest when others were happy. I laughed.
Who was I? I was a boy mom and a daughter, perfectly content to mow with the tractor or tackle projects at home. A natural-born tomboy, I was as eager to spend time with my dad and sons as with the girls. I made things.
Who was I? I was a friend, able to visit and laugh for hours. I loved road trips and decks, patios and lake time. I was supportive and empathetic–not so selfish. If I cried, the tears were followed by laughter. I knew sun after rain.
Who was I? I was a serious hobby photographer, never leaving home without my good camera and gear. I spent hours traveling back roads with my camera riding shotgun. I went in search of beauty, but followed no map or plan. I had fun.
Who was I? I was a high school teacher during a quarantine, then on summer vacation. I was content to spend my afternoons with a scent cocktail of Hawaiian Tropic and chlorine, then drip-drying in a hammock. I was calm and relaxed. I knew peace.
Who was I? I was a woman busy living her life. I knew great joy in many ways. I thought I knew great sadness. I had hopes for the future. Dreams. I was awake when awake and asleep when asleep. I was content but not complacent.
Who was I? I was Tonya–logical, intelligent, and calm. Sirens were just sirens and gunshots were distance booms. Anxiety attacks were a mystery and suicide was an unfortunate truth, but not my truth. I was a mom whose son was working hard to get back to himself. I had hope.
Who was I? I was Tonya. I was whole.
Woods Writes 