Tomorrow is my one year anniversary.

4:00 in the morning, exactly one year ago as of... 20 hours from this moment, I boarded a train from the Aberdeen train station in Maryland to come move to my new home in Massachusetts. So close to one year ago, I escaped from a living hell that was both my life and living inside my mind. 10:00am I arrived to meet the person I owe everything I have now to, memento, to go home; taking my first steps toward the first place I could call home, with the first real family I have ever had, and to begin a real life.

Today I can feel that excitement that I felt then. For no reason other than this acknowledgment of how different my life - and I - are. I escaped a cycle of abuse, a circle of liars and manipulators and moved on to a better place. Today, I can feel that strength, that knowledge of who I am today and the knowledge that because of this chance I took I get to be the person that I want to be. And I know that, here, surrounding myself with good people, I will get the chance to be a better, less dark and cynical person than I ever would have been there.

I write this today for two reasons.

One, as a huge thank you to memento for everything she has given me. A best friend, a sister, my creative inspiration, and a true strength to always act and do what is best for myself and those I care for. Never forget, Princess, you helped me find this person that was buried alive under a life of neglect, hardship and being (literally) beaten down; held hostage in distrust and cynicism. Two days of online messages, and I knew I wanted this friendship. I needed a good friend and I have never, ever been so confident so fast that I had found one before. I'm glad we spoke. I'm glad we took these chances for each other. I wouldn't want my life any other way. Thank you. I can't even begin to say it enough. Your friendship is the most influential, most inspirational, most heartwarming and supportive thing I have ever had in my life, and the first time in a long, long time I truly got to know I am loved. You are the best big little sister ever and don't you ever, ever forget it.

Secondly; as hopeful inspiration to anyone who may read this that a life can always, always get better as long as you're willing to try and make it so. Given the right materials, you can build happiness on your own, even in a cold, desolate wasteland. There is always, always some good to find. And, should you find yourself caught in a cycle like I was, you do not have to be trapped forever; just do not give up.

Never give up. Each and every one of you are too good for that. Everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and consideration. Everyone deserves to feel that they have a right to be who they are and be comfortable in that skin.

I am:
A woman who thinks like a man
Pansexual
Clean
A writer
A role play-er
A gamer
An overnight cashier who is now semi-amused by the drunken harassment she endures (to a point)
A sufferer of artistic talent envy
A caretaker and a rescuer

And I am proud of that. And everyone who reads this deserves to know that they should be proud of themselves too.
Each.
And.
Every.
One.
Because as that old addage goes; Life is built to tear at the soul, but it proves you have one.
Good people are often too rare in this world. Take pride in every good and kind moment and action, because the world needs more people who are willing to show that side of themselves.

Peace and goodwill to all; and a special shoutout to some of those good people, those whom I also consider good friends of mine, I hope you hear me, each and every one of you. You're worth it.

 memento
 horsemen  battleguppy  philo  archfiend  kyooyo  massimo.