I am strong.
I am incredibly strong.
I never knew how strong Before.

I wonder how I survived those first few minutes of knowing, those first few hours of screaming, that first night, week, month, year.

But I did.

…and so I know I am made of strong stuff.

I know it’s true because I am still here, raising two children, finding joy where I can get it
…. and I am not dead.

But sometimes I think I am so strong that people don’t see past the incredible feats of strength and endurance I am constantly displaying.

…and they forget that it takes every ounce of my strength to keep moving forward.

…and they let me carry too much of their load.

…and I do it because I am strong.

But I worry that I can only carry so much.

So I am going to pick and choose those extra things I must carry.

I’m not going to take on everyone’s minor problems.

Because I need every ounce of my strength for us.