“

Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.

~ Mary Oliver ~

I am Cat, and yes, I have grieved. I’ve grieved a child. I’ve grieved a husband. I’ve grieved relationships. I’ve grieved the death of a living malignancy of a “father” who never really loved me. I’ve grieved the me I once was. I’ve grieved the me I’ll never be.

But also?

I’M ALIVE!

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been told that I’m the darkest burning star filled within joy, love, happiness and light that some have ever met. To me, there is no greater compliment!

So, with that, I am REAL Cat! I am power, grace, and beauty rising. I am “nothing, everything, and ALL of it“. I am God’s favorite daughter. I am THE most perfect mistake. I am the Light in someone’s darkness. I’ve been the darkness in someone’s light. I am stealing The Sun from the sky. I am THE happiest woman I’ve ever met. I am the ONLY one who can fill the void between me and every loss I’ve ever suffered and I am THANKFUL for all the pain that has been my greatest gift and allows me to grieve with joy, hope, and laughter!

But most of all?

I am praying that one day YOU’LL be all of these, too, and basking in the everglow of your own Light. Merry Christmas, everyone!