As You Look in the Mirror
A mother's journal of poetry
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After years of struggling to find myself – and for some reason or another – Getting lost here and there – I made it. I am truly happy – with myself – my life – my childhood – my past. I never had control over the things that I saw as a child – or the events that occurred. On September 13th 2001 – I sat down and started writing – it was then I found - the pen could not be stopped. I lost my grandfather that day – and he lost a number of friends during the attack on The Pentagon just two days earlier. I know in my heart that there was a good reason. I think it was because the strongest man I’ve ever known – was afraid of death. He was haunted by the words "Thou shalt not kill" and his fears of the past – terrified him until his dying day. So maybe he didn’t die alone – and that made it easier for him to go. I will never know why – and it’s probably best that I don’t. But I do know this – He gave me a wonderful life. For that I will be eternally grateful. If I had to describe him in five words or less – they would be: Intelligent, Funny, Friend, Father and American. The man had more patriotism in his pinky-toe than most people have in their entire body. He loved this country – And he was never ashamed of our flag. When he would come home from where ever he was over seas – the flag could be seen before he pulled into the drive- way. It’s presence told him – I’m home – I made it. He traveled for the most part of my childhood – and he always had great stories to tell. But, he couldn’t talk about his job – he wasn’t allowed to give any details. For some reason – that always bothered me. After September 11th – death struck a nerve. I have never been afraid of dying – I accept and acknowledge that our souls live on. This is just part of the journey – what we make of our lives is up to us. I also believe that we never leave this place – until we get it right. We are doomed to this stressful – unkind – and frightening world – some of us – for eternity. But – not me. I know that there is a greater power. In my short lifetime – I have seen the proof – and graciously accept the power of God’s love. Unfortunately society doesn’t agree with me. I do not believe in organized religion. The whole – "My God is better than your God" – is ridiculous. I don’t go to church – because – my body – is my temple. The temple that God gave to me. I respect Spirituality – and I love God – and that is what’s right for me. So many people go to church – for the wrong reasons. Maybe they think it makes them a better person. Maybe for some it does. But – I’ve encountered quite a few that only go – because it gives them social standing. They look good amongst their peers and can say – "I go to church every Sunday." But – I’ve found the majority of these people aren’t holy at all. They don’t love all man-kind. They aren’t forgiving or friendly. They just drift through the motions – and pretend to be perfect. I wrote this book for my daughters. To give them a glimpse of me. I don’t think like others. I don’t run with the pack – I choose my own path. I let my spirit guide me. And they need to know – it’s alright to be different. I don’t know what God has planned for me – but I’m ready and I accept whatever it may be. This book is about finding the person that I am – the situations that I’ve dealt with – and the people who I care about and love deeply. They are so young that if I don’t leave something behind – Will they even remember me? Will they have guidance? And most importantly – Who will keep my spirit alive? Me – That’s who! Every time they open this book – I am there. They will know how much I love them – and that to me is priceless. My little girls are so full of love – I need them to know that love does hurt. And that they can’t always trust everyone. These poems are about a woman who isn’t perfect. I have made mistakes – and hopefully they will learn from them. But – My goal is to teach them - To err is human – To forgive is Godly – And most of the time – You don’t ever forget.
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About the Book
In this unique discovery of talent, Wendy takes you on a journey through her life. Born to young parents, she has survived several heart-breaking encounters. From abandonment to repeated molestation – these events left their mark. As You Look In The Mirror is a painful and practical arrangement of poetry. In her light-hearted way, she recalls real-life tragedy and transforms it into an inspiring and imaginative collection of events. Every time you turn the page – she has a story to tell or a lesson that was learned – showing spiritual growth and guidance throughout. She teaches about strength – not the physical – the strength that comes from within. She instills a strong belief in God and propels us to search ourselves for love and happiness. This book shows a powerful and pragmatic outlook of life – told by a woman who has ventured deep into the soul – each time returning more aware and alive than before.
About the Author
Wendy was born in New Hampshire in 1971 – to young teen parents. Her family moved to Virginia in ’73 – and she was raised in Manassas, Virginia – by her grandparents. After losing her grandfather in September 2001, She began writing. In 2002, she and her four young daughters moved to Indiana where her husband is a student in Indianapolis. Poetry has always brought her happiness. She hopes this book will bring young daughters and their mothers closer together, by learning to live life, love and laugh as one. And to always respect your family. Because in this unsure world – families need to stick together – and love unconditionally! That’s the way God intended it to be!