New memories with my sister

So i don’t normally share photos of my siblings because my story is also part of theirs and my choice to be more open and public has been my conscious decision. I chose this path in order to pursue my passion of spreading awareness on various topics related to foster care and childhood trauma and healing.

So with her permission I share this:

My twin, Kathie, recently visited me in Switzerland. While it was an opportunity for her to slow down and take a beat for herself, I feel incredibly blessed that she chose to make the trip and want to do that here, all the way across the world.

Growing up, being enslaved to one of our abusers it was easy to bond, knowing we were in this together but it was hard to have hope of any future of our own. To feel like we would actually get the opportunity to make other memories outside of the abuse we endured on the daily.

Sometimes we talked about it most days we didn’t. It was this unspoken but we understood each other language.

Some of the cherished memories of growing up together was waking up next to each other knowing we lived another day, spending our earnings at a clearance rack, garage sale or eating a McDonald’s cinnamon roll. Sometimes in complete silence but filled with our own mental chatter; happy to have something to eat and to be doing it together.

To now experiencing freedom and walking parts of earth we thought we’d never get to see. To be able to breathe freely now and living our own chosen lives.

To have the opportunity to travel with my sister and explore together brought so much strength and joy to our relationship.

I feel incredibly grateful to not only get the opportunity to travel together and laugh but to make new positive memories.

Life truly is a blessing.

Freedom feeeeels good.

I love you sister and I’m so happy of the time we recently had. I’m glad we could be fully present with each other and make new beautiful memories. A time I will never take for granted.

Anyone who grew up experiencing abuse alongside your siblings, knows it’s hard work to maintain a relationship but doing the work is worth it.

P.S. sis braided my hair. 🥰