Sarah

 

I’m Sarah.
The little sister.
Thirty-two.
Three boys.

Jamis is 8
Maximus is 4
Ethan is 2

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For all those many months I have wanted to write more. Start to paint that autobiographical picture for you. I want readers to get a sense of the me that is here in my running clothes, typing at 5 am, fretting over things like my About Page. This is the place where I’m supposed to tell you that I work outside the home. That I do all sorts of quirky little things. Like all sorts of quirky little things. That I’m not a fan of, oh let’s say tomato wedges in my salad. I prefer them cut into bite-sized pieces.

I finally wrote something. This is part of what it said. I’m still not satisfied but I’m afraid to delete it all because it means I appear blank again. I’m not. I’m just me. Sarah. The little sister. 32. Three boys.

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I’ve tried to do this.
A lot of times.
And now I think I just need to break it down.
It’s a novel, really. But just the facts please ma’am.
I’m not so very self-indulgent. But this sure could be a compelling story.
If I told it right.
But it’s my life.
It’s not a story.
There is no right.

And I don’t so very much wish to compel.
I just wish to share.
It’s what makes us US.

Human.
Women.
Mothers.
Mortal.

I’m a mom.
I used to be a mess.

When I got pregnant with Jamis, heads bobbed. Eyes blinked.
There was lots of this:
“Really? Wow, um, really?”
My two best friends looked at me in disgust.
My mother was bewildered by the two month delay in breaking the news.
Probably offended.
My friends already knew.
It ís safe to say I had no idea at that point how very important family was.
Not even after all that I’d been through. All that I’d put them through.

So nobody really did that “Oh how very exciting for you, congratulations” thing.
There was more of this:
“What the hell are you going to do oh my god you better pull it together!”

I pulled it together.
I did.
And here I am.

A survivor.
Of many mistakes.
Debilitating addictions.
Failure and flaw.
Life-changing Loss.

A champion.
Of gain.
Hard work.
Personal fortitude.
Motherhood.

I hurt for so long. I struggled for so long.
I wandered, aimlessly, abiding no rules.

And here I am.

As perfect in my Imperfect as a mother can be.
And sweetly content.

For today.

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Wait! Do you want the new and improved About page? With all sorts of pictures of me and my family? Everybody loves a good picture, right? And I promise a few of them. Well, then, what are you waiting for? I invite you to read The !!! of My Life. It is the perfect complement to what you have read here.

Wendi writes

You are amazing. I love the honesty of your words.

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Stone Fox writes

i don’t have time at this exact moment (what with supper coming out of the oven in 10 minutes. another fucking chicken casserole. YAY! I FUCKING LOVE CHICKEN CASSEROLE. AGAIN.) to tell you that i think you are amazing. i am so glad that you lived the life you lived, and lived to tell about it. one thing about children: they cure us of our vanity.

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Liz writes

I think from now on I am just going to comment “Damn” on many of you all’s posts….

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Ashleigh Burroughs writes

“As perfect in my Imperfect as a mother can be.”

I think that could be my new mantra. Glad to read that you are liking yourself right now :-)

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Jill writes

There are so many things I could say about your “about me.” The ways it’s obvious we are probably alike. Tales of reckless youth. It’s odd that I came across your blog at a point in my life where I’m starting to tackle the things I’ve run away from all these years, but I’m glad I did. Something about the vast internet, with all it’s millions of inhabitants, that makes you realize you probably aren’t alone.

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Sarah replies

This is a much overdo response, Jill…
No, you are not alone.
But it sure feels like that, doesn’t it? Nobody has lived your life but you. Nobody knows the pain and the hurt and the sorrow. Nobody knows what pure joy is in your eyes and what it will take for you to obtain that. But…

It feels good to be honest and to confront all these things. And I’ve found it feels even better to share that honesty from time to time. I think if we are honest, anything is possible.

I’m here.

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Aidan Donnelley Rowley writes

I love this blog and I’m here often, but somehow I never read this. I love it. And I love your unique brand of realism and hope. “Nothing is perfect.” I can’t think of a truer sentence. You have a true fan and virtual friend in me. Keep writing.

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TheKitchenWitch writes

I’m amazed at your strength. And your courage.

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BigLittleWolf writes

I can’t believe I’ve only recently found you and your sister. You guys rock!

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john cave osborne writes

everything is built on trust
when u foresake your honor for ur lust.
turns ashes to ashes and dust to dust.
for pretty is as pretty does.

imperfect? maybe. pretty? from the words you wrote? pretty sells you short. you, my friend, are BEAUTIFUL. i can’t wait to read you and your sister’s blog. -jco-

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Boy Crazy (@claritychaos) writes

I’m new enough around here to not know your story beyond your words here, but I love how you write, how you speak the truth. I always appreciate your words, whether in your posts here or in a comment or email to me. I finally read this page and wanted to say — hey. I’m listening to what you’re saying and I’m liking what I’m hearing.

-elizabeth

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cynthia newberry martin writes

Hi Sarah, I love the picture you’ve painted of yourself here. It’s nice to meet you. We share three boys and a dislike of tomato wedges in salads (I also prefer mine bite-size)!

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Christine LaRocque writes

Brave woman. Thank you for sharing your journey and just you. It’s a gift.

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goofdad writes

A survivor.
Of many mistakes.
Debilitating addictions.
Failure and flaw.
Life-changing Loss.

As I sit here, looking at a picture of my 14 year old foster son, you remind me of the strength it takes. His mother is struggling with addiction and loss, and has been for his whole life. Watching her struggles in the year that she and I have known each other has given me great respect for the ones that can bring about that change. Congratulations … not only is this happiness, but this is bravery and courage. I’m so glad, for everyone, that you were able to make those changes!

His mother has never found that strength, and it breaks my heart every time I hear him say “I miss my mom” or “I wish I could go home”! I wish I knew how to bring that strength and that courage to her. All I seem to be able to do, however, is pick up the pieces.

I’m very encouraged in the short time I’ve been reading your blog. It’s great to know that it CAN be done, that people can find it in their heart to change. I pray that his mother finds her way. I hope I can keep her loved one safe until she does.

Thanks for sharing so much.

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Tiffany writes

This About page makes me want to sit down and chat and become friends. Perfect.

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Mental Mom writes

Sarah, I wasn’t quite sure where to post this. I admire your writing and your strength.
I believe that I am in a similar spot as you used to be. I am at a point in my life that seems like there is no out. I have struggled with many problems for a very long time and have not had a place to voice them. Tonight I decided to take a huge leap of faith and start a blog. I plan to use this as a sort of therapy. I have heard that it is important to have a release when trying to make significant changes. I am welcoming any advice that may be offered to me in hopes that it may guide me to make the right decisions and give me the strength to make the changes I so desperately need.
Please keep in mind that I have only made one post so far but plan on another tomorrow and will post as often as possible.
Thank you for your inspiration!

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Sarah replies

I’ve read your comment here several times, Mental Mom, and each time I nod through it and then reach the bottom and smile. An inspiration. Why, thank you. Life’s been hard lately. Just the living of it. Sometimes it gets like this. Then the hardness fades away and the soft light comes back in and I can see all the beauty again.

This blog has offered me more connections and friends than I could have ever imagined. It is my gateway to feeling sane, feeling loved, feeling worthy. I hope that you find some release in the writing and, even more, hope that you are able to jump into a circle of bloggers who make you feel welcome and give you the support that you need. It does take some time, but it sounds like it might be just the thing you need. Change is hard. But also so so good. SO GOOD.

That said, go for it. !!!

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Lori Dyan writes

Hiya Sarah,

The beautiful Kitchen Witch Dana passed on your info because I love the look/feel of her site – can you email me if you’re still doing site design? I’m on wordpress.com and basically need it to look like something my 3 year old didn’t design (that’s the level I’m at). It’s just a writing showcase so no need for retail functionality or anything like that.

Thanks!
Lori

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