The saying, “they don’t look like what they’ve been through” makes me so sad. Ultimately, one may not look it but what good is that if they still feel it? My spirit is bruised and tender to the touch, and yet, I even smile in the mirror - like who am I fooling? Myself. That’s who. And at what cost? I pay with the best parts of who I could be if I’d take a moment to recognize the load I’ve carried for nearly 40 years and begin to unpack it.