My story is one of survival, betrayal and abandonment - facing the hard truth that the people you love do not always love you, the people you trust are not always trustworthy, giving of yourself does not mean others will give to you, and that what we choose do with that information is up to us. I carry deep shame that my mother and children have cut me out of there lives. I live daily with invisible grief. I am in deep mourning for the people I love most and have lost, but they are alive. There is no closure. Only shame and pain. I also live with extreme chronic pain, but work 6 days a week 10 to 12 hours a day - I worry constantly about Jim and I losing everything because we took a chance on Bevees. I am mourning the loss of my dad.. And through all this I spend my days smiling and serving others. The exhaustion and loneliness are both very real. BUT... perspective is my word for 2026 and I know that even on my worst day, I am still extremely blessed. That it is my phoenix rising story. Life ain't easy, but I choose to count my blessings and find the good in every day.