Transforming Lives - Building Community
Creating Change

Judy

“When I first saw this portrait I said,
'This is not me here!'
I saw a part of me I'm not happy with.”

When I first saw this portrait I said, “This is not me here!” I saw a part of me I’m not happy with. The face that I portray is happy and joyful: everything’s going fine. This portrait depicts the hidden sadness of my heart through my eyes. It goes beyond my façade. This sadness is something that I could never put my finger on, couldn’t put a name on, still can’t. Sometimes my heart feels very broken. This shatters the positive image that I show to everyone.

Recently my life has taken a turn: some horrifying and terrifying things have happened. I am rolling with the curves. I shall succeed in my endeavor to heal the hurt in my heart. I am open to venturing out in new ways in a positive manner. I meet challenges in my life head on! Whether I fail or succeed, at least I have made an effort. I lay out a plan including various options geared to my successes. I remember both my past successes and failures. My failures remind me to pursue different avenues for success.

I can handle looking at myself, being open, and searching for the truth. It takes time to accept the truth. If something lives inside me, I become ready to accept it and to deal with it. If I don’t, I am cheating myself by leaving out a part of myself.

I’m learning that I can’t change what is: it is what it is. There is hurt in me and in others too. I see positive help at St. Mary’s Center and feel understanding from other people; I can speak openly and honestly. I experience love and trust with others at St. Mary’s Center. That in itself is a success!

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