Keep Me Here

You, me, her, him. All of us. It's not hard to see that we belong together.

So many roles I play, you know? And I wouldn't trade a single one of them away.

I'm a twin [a triplet, actually, but nobody likes our brother] to the ever-thoughtful Maddy, a little sister [and number one fan!] to the big-hearted Cassie, a big sis [and always-shoulder] to the silly and loving Kailey [and Young Matteo], and VERY closely tied to so many more [Barbie, Debbie, Lyrika...]. We're a family, more than anyone could ever realize.

It's those weird moments in your life that you finally recognize who loves you and who doesn't. Never again will I make the mistake of treating you guys poorly--never, never, never.

I look in the mirror, and I don't just see me. I see everyone who's made me who I am--biological family, extended family, friends, everyone--and it makes me happy. To know that I'm loved, and that I have enough connection with the world to get me through the day.

Because there are days I feel disconnected, and nobody should ever have to feel that way.

The tides are changing, and so am I. Sometimes I wonder if I'm actually decaying, but then I remember what holds me together, and I know that I can survive. We can do this.

I know it's risky to trust others. I know it's terrifying to think that these wonderful siblings I've got could potentially hurt me. But I don't care. I'm done being safe. I'm done playing by the rules.

So I'm going to love and not look back. I think I can love. I can trust, I can hope, I can feel, and I think I'll be able to learn how to love.