I never knew what faith was
until I had to practice it when Dad was ill
I never knew depression
until the word "death" no longer scared me
I never felt abuse
until my Dad laid a hand on me
I never felt loneliness
until my best friend Joey passed away
I never understood addiction
until feeling a razor slicing my skin got me high
I never understood sadness
until I learned the meaning of goodbye
I never experienced a broken heart
until I was told the words "I never loved you"
I never experienced abandonment
until I knew where my Father really was the day I was born
I never experienced love
until I learned what accepting an individual flaws and all truly meant
I never fell in love until I practiced the word "sacrifice"
I never saw true beauty
until I held my nieces in my arms for the first time
I never knew what happiness was
until the day I began to follow my heart
I never found my passion
until I created magic with a pen
I never felt peace
until I let of things that were out of my control
I have never felt blessed
until I realized what money couldn't buy
I have never felt more alive
until I understood how precious and short life really is.