Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tiffin Times...



“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”

By Paul Boese

As I made the drive from Columbus to Tiffin for the next stop on my book signing for Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! my insides twirled and twisted with anticipation and apprehension.

Tiffin, Ohio is my place of origin, my growing up location- the space where I learned to walk and talk as well as ride a bike and drive a car. I was cultured to maneuver the back roads shared by tractors and combines and sought comfort in the fragrance of cow manure and the harvest of corn or soy beans. I knew the calm and reassurance of attending a one building school, Hopewell-Loudon therefore I graduated with most folks I shared Kindergarten memories.


On the other hand, it was also the scene of torment and distress throughout childhood and where as an adult I envisioned the face of my abuser/s ‘round every corner. Anxiety and uneasiness were part of every encounter as hyper-vigilance served as armor.

I’ve acknowledged shrill and valiantly; however that forgiveness is a powerful gesture. As a result of those actions toward once despised individuals, I embarked upon this event with affection, acceptance and approval preparing the homecoming proper for a queen.

Paper and Ink was host to the book signing equipped with a reporter from the local newspaper, the Advertiser Tribune. Being surrounded by family, childhood and college friends I possessed a protective covering although unnecessary as I have learned to embrace my past with the awareness it has made me the human being I am today. So I applaud all those people; good, bad or indifferent and extend a hand of thanks since my life is filled with magnificence and joy.



“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now!”

By Anonymous

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, sweet Tracy, so poignant. TY for sharing & congrats on all your successes. Sometimes those dips in life really give us the strength to forge on.
Merry Christmas
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Old Kitty said...

You are such a strong person! Thanks for sharing - may you and your loved ones have a most wonderful Christmas! Take care
x

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Have a wonderful Christmas and continued success in the New Year!

:o)

Sylvia K said...

Wishing you and your family a joyous, beautiful Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Catherine said...

Wishing you the best of luck!

Also wishing you a happy holiday season and all the best the New Year has to offer!

xo Catherine

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Another great post by a talented gal!!!!! Thanks! I know that going 'home' is bittersweet... It's great to be there and remember the good things--but it's hard when all of the 'bad' things come back to haunt you also...

I guess that is just life.. We ALL go through things (some worse than others)... BUT life does have a way of helping us move on ---through the joy and the muck.....

Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
Betsy

Terra said...

Oh my goodness, I cried at the quote at the end, your story topped off by that sent me into a flood of emotions. I hope all that lies ahead is merry and bright...

Lin said...

Wow, that's a tough one. I admire you for going back--I'm not sure I could or would.

I'm not big on "forgiveness". But I'm a big believer in not giving the offender any more of my thoughts or emotions. I just sort of turn off everything when it comes to those who have done me wrong.

You are a strong woman! I admire your courageous spirit!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Wow, you sure have been having some exciting times! How very exciting all of this is! I am so very happy for you! :)

I enjoyed seeing each photo!

Kindly, Lorraine

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I hope you know Tracy....how much you inspire....Your post reminds me of what Winnie the pooh said about bus being stronger and braver than we think and you definitely radiate both....

Ginny Hartzler said...

Well I couldn't say it any better than your quote does. Everything in our lives has brought us to this place and made us what we are, that God is trying to make something from us. I wish you the best and most peaceful Christmas, Tracy!!

Peggy K said...

What a beautiful quote..says it all, doesn't it??

Enjoy your book tour. What an exciting time for you!!

Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

Excellent post. May your holidays be surround by those loved ones and bring you a wonderful holiday!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Such an inspirational and touchy post. You have come a long way and yet you are a supportive teacher and an accomplised authour Look at yourself now. I agree that we cannot change the past. Enjoy your book signing and make people happy as that is what you are best at.
My best wishes to you and your loved ones for the holidays and for the new year. You have done a lot for others, now do something for yourself as well.

Connie said...

Great post, Tracy. I'm so glad to hear that your visit home went well. It is so true that we are a sum total of our past. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas filled with blessings.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I could have sworn I'd been here to wish you a Merry Christmas and yet my name does not appear. And yet (again), in my mind it was a grand comment.

I am wishing you much success on your book. What a great thing!

Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!

Blessings
Teresa

Wanda said...

What a powerful post. I truly was touched reading it.

Thanks for stopping by my Art Blog. That Header was a Christmas Card I designed and painted several years ago.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Tell you husband thanks!

Rita said...

You are so right and so strong and life begins again for you.
Wishing you the best for this Holiday Season.
Happy to hear your roast turned out.
Rita

Nancy said...

I'm sure you've been asked this before, Tracy, but have you ever thought of writing about your experience?

I'm so happy for you and your success. Happy Holidays, my friend. :)