_Once, I was wild and free, laughing and playing until the moon came out for the night. We played hide and seek and ran around being kids. I was full of sunshine and beaming with starlight. I danced in the moonlight to my stereo headphones, pretending I was on my roller skates._

_As a child, I loved chasing butterflies beneath the big pine trees near my cabin. When night fell, it was time to catch lightning bugs to illuminate the way. My cabin was a sanctuary and safe haven for me, but a few years ago it burned to the ground. Nevertheless, we made the best of it._

_Now, I look back fondly at all the memories, and they make me smile and laugh a little. Sometimes, they even bring tears to my eyes. I’m now passing these memories down to my one beautiful, caring, loving friend and son. He’s truly the best thing that’s ever happened to me and i cherish him dearly. I have to mention my other boy, my support dog who is truly outstanding and one of a million. _

_My dad and I would ride bikes or walk on the trails around the forest preserves and talk. He would point out the names of trees and birds to me because he was a teacher. Dad taught me a lot about everything, and for that, I’m grateful. We would also go to get lunch, just him and I, at a sandwich place in town. We also played tennis together. I loved spending time with just him and felt special. I will never forget these precious memories and will always hold them close to my heart._

_My mom and I loved to shop, literally until we collapsed. But we had so much fun, it was worth it. Then we’d go out to eat at a fabulous Italian restaurant or get a deep dish pizza. We also loved to bake cookies and cakes together. Mom made the absolute best cakes in the world and decorated them so beautifully. There was one at age 4 that had Kermit the Frog on it, one with Mickey Mouse, and another was a care bear in 3D. She also made my birthdays so special as well as holidays. I will treasure these memories always and forever._

_As a family, we camped at a lake with sand dunes and the freshest fruit I’ve ever had. My brother and I loved climbing the sand dunes and running as fast as we could down them. Then we would jump into the lake and swim. We’d ride the waves in on the lake, it was so amazing. My family also made holidays so magical. Every detail was perfect from the decorations inside to the ones outside. Dad joked there would be a traffic jam out in front on our street from our wonderful Christmas decorations. The food was absolutely delicious and fantastic every time. The tree was freshly cut down, that dad picked out from our cabin and we decorated so pretty, the presents wrapped so beautifully and with such care._

_The greatest gift my family ever gave me was the gift of God. Taking me to Sunday school, and church for as long as I can remember has truly given my life meaning and saved my life many times. I used to be so anxious and worried constantly but I’ve finally learned how to rest in God and it’s €priceless._

_As time passes, I still see the child inside of me. I have had to do a great deal of work with her throughout my lifetime . She has been through a lot her entire life. She keeps me young with a kind, caring heart full of compassion and empathy. My love of helping people and animals, and others who’ve been through similar trauma especially, makes me so happy and fulfilled. The older I get, the clearer it becomes that the old woman in me and the inner child are blended together into one beautiful woman and soul. I have done this with God's help and lots of hard work._