As I sat, when I was sitting over the old boxes, I was hoping to find a long lost insurance contract that I carefully tuck carefully years ago, I never imagined that I would find something much more meaningful instead.
The box covered with dust, each filled with forgotten memories, suddenly looked like hidden treasures waiting to be rediscovered. It was at that moment that the search attracted me an old, worn photo album, its cover felt from time to time and use.
I knew a little that this simple album would open the flood of memories, took me back to a time when life seemed easier and the future was still full of possibilities. What I found on this site would serve as an engaging reminder of how far I came – and how much I overcame.
My life was quite rolling on a roller coaster. During my 59 years I went through so much – the joy of becoming a mother four times, heart break of betrayal of my husband and unexpected new love that entered my life when I least expected it.
During my trip I moved twelve times – much more than anyone could imagine. But life caused its challenges and I had to find ways to deal with the best I could.
One day I was looking for an insurance contract that I put somewhere safe, but I forgot where. As I walked through the old dusty boxes that seemed to be forgotten treasures, I was attracted by an old photo album.
The cover of the album was worn from time to time, almost disintegrated.
Just as I picked it up, my 19 -year -old photo slipped out and fell on the floor. It seemed to me that I wanted me to notice it, hold it again.
I picked it up and was immediately taken back to my childhood – at a time when life felt simple and carefree.
I remembered that day like yesterday. My friend Danielle took the picture. She wanted me to have it as a memory of our friendship and the good times we shared.
I wore my favorite green top and those jeans that I loved so much.
When I stared in the photo, I thought, “This young Lizzy never imagined that he would have four children, two mortgages and a broken marriage.” Then I thought with a soft smile, “But she could never know that love would find her again at 42 years.”
I felt a wave of nostalgia and realized that life was difficult now. But then I overturned the photo and my heart skipped the rhythm. On the back, in my manuscript, there was a note: “Stay strong, lizzy. Never let life break your spirit.”
“Wow,” I thought. At that moment, I realized that although my life did not go as I planned when I was a teenager, I remained faithful to myself. I couldn’t fail. I persevered even though I lost my unfaithful husband and my home – more than once.
The younger version was proud of a strong woman I became, despite all obstacles and grief.
This old photo album with its worn pages and a picture of my youth was a perfect reminder of the strength and durability that shaped who I am today.
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ConclusionÂ
Looking back at this photo and thinking about my journey I realize how much I grew up. The challenges, sorrows and moments of joy shaped me all into the woman I am today. Life wasn’t always easy, but that’s why I stayed strong – and that’s something my younger self would be proud of. The past does not have to develop the way I imagined when I was younger, but in the end it led me to a place of strength and durability that I could never predict.
And if there is one thing I have learned, it is that, regardless of twists and turning, we are always able to find a way. So when I look at the old photo, I smile because I know my story is perseverance and growth. Here is the woman I have become – and for all the lessons I learned along the way.