In silence, no one speaks of this fight, The struggle that lingers when you seek the light. Once lost in the shadows, the worst version of me, Guilt and fear whisper, "Will you ever be free?" A deep, nagging ache for the wrongs of my past, Late nights filled with questions, the shadows of cast. Why did I falter? Why did I fall? Why did I seek solace in the bottle's cold call? Change isn’t easy; it’s a treacherous road, Apologies linger, a heavy, worn load. For mothers who witnessed the chaos unfold, For dreams that were shattered, for stories untold. It’s letting go of friends, of habits so tight, Of moments and choices that stole all my light. To start over again, to heal, to forgive, To find the strength within me, to truly live. But I stand here, grateful, for battles I’ve won, Against whispers of doubt, I’ve learned I’m not done. The only approval I seek is my own. With God’s grace beside me, I no longer feel alone. ~lilly