Despite countless visits, the depth of their struggle eluded me. My mother has been a pillar of resilience, steering our family from the depths of scarcity to the shores of a new existence, fueled by her unwavering aspirations. Her spirit, unbroken; her disposition, uncomplaining. Silent were the tales of her being scorned, the arduous days she pressed on despite the gnawing pain of arthritis, with medical relief beyond her reach. She bore her hardships in silence. I have witnessed my father’s tears, a testament to the aching desire to triumph in the face of elusive opportunities—a poignant sight that left an indelible mark on me. The prevailing questions echo with

Often, I have permitted myself to experience sorrow, understanding that it propels you into an intense cycle of reflection. Individuals will invariably attempt to take advantage of you, or even walk all over you; the art of rising again is fundamentally tied to how profoundly you’ve been forced to the ground. I’ve allowed some to use my emotions as their playground. They’ve trampled upon my self-assurance, shattered my affection, and submerged my feelings so thoroughly that I’ve been, at times, utterly numb.   There was a period when I was truly insensate to everything and everyone. No words, neither praise nor sarcasm, could touch me; absolutely NOTHING. My belief in