Reflections from a
Seasoned Heart
By Anne Iverson
Have you ever said, “Boy,
if I knew than what I know now…” and wished you could go back to a particular
time in your childhood to alter a situation, ease some anxiety about the
unknown, give a hug, help a stranger or take back something you said?
We
know Kristen Fulton as an author and individual who gives generously and tirelessly to the
writing community, inspiring and encouraging us to create stories for children.
I invited Kristen to share a "reflection from a seasoned heart" and to write a letter to her child-self.
It’s difficult to open
one’s private life and share a slice of that life with others—friends and
strangers alike. She has an incredible
story to tell and as you read it, I’m sure you will experience the same emotional roller
coaster as I did. I have a great
appreciation for this incredible lady with an indomitable spirit, the tenacity
and inner strength to push forward, and the moxie to look the world in the eye
and face it head on.
Thank you, Kristen!
Dear Krissy,
Let
me start off by saying how proud I am of you. I know that we live in a
society where it is acceptable to compliment others but we shy away from
complimenting ourselves. I am going to do it for you. You are doing a
great job.
Let’s be honest, you have had a
cushy life. It is okay to tell your mom about that famous magician who
took you out to dinner even though he was like twenty-five when you were
seventeen. She is going to find out anyway when he ends up on the news
because this is what he likes to do. Oh and that sheriff that keeps
pulling you over whether you are speeding or not, he becomes the
coroner. Yes, it is job security but really, do you want the whole “I
see dead people.”
Now let’s talk about the real
issue that you are facing. You are scared. Sweetheart, it is time to
ask for help. You were raised in an affluent family where only those in
need were permitted to ask for help. Let me tell you- your friends want
to help. You NEED help. You can not do this on your own. For the last
year you have lived in an abusive marriage and this last time, come on.
You scared that paramedic, by the way, you and he will remain friends,
it was his first call and he was part of a team to cut you out of a car.
The sad part was, you weren’t in a car accident. Your husband threw you
the windshield. Did you know that young paramedic visited you every day
while you were in the coma? And that Heather from high school cheer was
the ER nurse when you were brought in? Krissy, I am here to tell you
that you DO NOT have to live like this. Leaving does not make you a
failure it will make you a success story. In fact, it will be just one
of many successes that you will experience in your life.
Now,
you want the good news? You are going to find love again, and this man
will be a keeper. He will be everything that romance writers write
about. He will send you love letters and flowers. When he is asked,
“How’s your life?” He will reply, “She is wonderful.” He will help you
achieve all of your life goals and dreams. You will get to spend another
year as Snow White at Epcot, you will finish your doctorate and open your own
Veterinary practice, and you will retire and spend your time as a
writer. He will stand by you and be your biggest cheerleader.
You
are a fighter and a survivor. This time in life seems hard, but it is
shaping you. These experiences will find their way on to the pages of
books for children and adults to read. Ernest Hemingway said it best,
There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and
bleed.
Your blood is made up of your life
experiences. The things you have done, seen, and learned. As a writer we
call this our voice. So, take a moment and slow down. Breathe. Soak it
all in and make a memory because you will use it to find another
success.
Remember
that you were born in April, you are a diamond.
Me
(Kristen Fulton,
Children’s Author
