It’s time for another five minute writing frenzy with all the girls who meet at Lisa Jo’s on Fridays. Today’s word is “beyond.” Why not join us?
All too often we miss the chance to look beyond the screen and see the multiple dimensions of the person in the profile. We read focused words and miss the big picture. We want to know our online friends, but find it difficult. Those who write within a niche are particularly difficult to know.
Sometimes, I get tired of being Tereasa: Survivor of Spiritual Abuse. I am so much more than Tereasa: Friend of Abuse Victims. My story has shaped me, but it does not define me. There is so much more beyond the words on this screen.
There is even more to the woman raising children with special needs and helping them overcome trauma. It takes strength to live it. My wise words come after multiple failures and lessons in doing it God’s way.
Would you be surprised to find out that I sigh a lot? I roll my eyes and growl under my breath. I put a movie on for the kids and go in my room just for a chance to have some silence.
I laugh more than I sigh, though. Sometimes, I laugh when no one else is and then I look around and wonder what’s wrong. Didn’t anyone else think it was funny? Then, I stop laughing and turn beet red.
Speaking of red, I have this annoying habit that I cannot control. I get hives when I’m nervous. I have a poker face that would fool anyone, but my red neck gives me away. It hasn’t always been this way. It started four years ago when I was taking a new medication.
With maturity, I have learned to keep quiet most of the time. If you ask me, though, I will tell you like it is. Then, I might call and apologize, making sure you know that what I really meant to say is, “I love you.”
During my first year of marriage, I let my temper control me rather than the opposite. I got mad at my husband one day and threw a bowl of sugar at him. It made a huge mess. He calmly looked at me and said, “I’ll be in the office when you are ready to speak to me like an adult.” He didn’t even help me clean up the sugar. I never threw anything at him again.
The fierce warrior in me has been tamed. Her strength remains, however, and has been there to protect me when necessary. Like the time I stood up to a thief and got my wallet back. Or when I protected my mind from brain washing.
She has also surfaced to protect my children and advocate for their needs. When an immigration officer made it difficult for us to bring our adopted children into Canada, my husband had to hold me back from screaming at the woman. Once the mama bear was reigned in, I looked the officer in the eyes and firmly told her it was against the Canadian Family Act to keep our children from entering the country with us.
Times up. I guess I will have to tell you more another time. I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse beyond the screen.
