Eyelet
When it happened, I was wearing my favorite nightgown. Â It was knee length, white, with a ruffle at the bottom, tiny buttons, and absolutely ethereal. Â For an 8 year old anyway. Â It made me feel like a princess or a cupcake when I twirled, which we all know, is one of the best feelings. Â
It crossed my mind the other day that of all the things that were taken from me in those few short minutes, I miss that nightgown. Â Even though I think that I have moved forward, that all involved have been forgiven (because that anger and rage I carried finally became too heavy), I keep coming back to this. Â I have not worn a white nightgown since that night.Â
I have resolved to buy one for myself this year. Â Along with adorable shorts (they must be adorable), a crop top and a bikini. Â
While this purchase has a lot more emotional attachment/baggage tied to it than the others, I feel, deep down, that it is time. Â Time to really realize what was taken. Â Time to mourn all the possibilities that were lost that night. Â And so many nights that followed. Â
Time to reclaim all of it, for me. It is me, all along, me is all I ever have. Â Me is what carried me through so much of my childhood, kept me whole, kept me wary, saved me. Â She deserves to feel beautiful, cherished and special. Â So I will honor her in this way. Â With something she loved, that was taken from her without her permission. Â I will present it to her with all the kindness, softness and love I have. Â And we will probably cry together. Â The little girl inside and the brave woman who protects her.













