Cheryl

Cheryl describes herself as empathetic, kind, generous, friendly, funny. She is married, with two grown sons, a ten-year-old daughter and a very old dog. She loves to cook and to craft, coming up with ways to reuse things. Her body asks a lot of her. She lists GERD, fibromyalgia, seizures, migraines and arthritis, then asthma and pulmonary hypertension: It is hard to breath and get around with having a lot here lately. Especially with having to wear a mask. Her daughter was being tested for celiac disease.

On Day 1 she said it in one line: I overcame my upbringing and made sure I became a better person and did not let my past bring me down or define me. Asked gently for more, she wrote that her childhood home held physical and psychological abuse, and that she was sexually abused when very young. A lot of times the cycle continues but I refused to be like that with my children and in my relationships. She will not use the word hate. On her bathroom mirror is a note: 1 positive thing about yourself today .. because you deserve it. One reading is that her refusal is a daily practice rather than a single decision: one word set aside, one note on a mirror, one stranger’s day made lighter.

Her defining moments hold both joy and violence. She delivered her first child at home, alone: I was the first face he seen. Of all her children she writes, They opened my eyes to what true love really was. I had never had that kind of love or family before. She also names a killing she witnessed as a child, and the killing of a cousin the year before the diary, with the trial still under way. The anger it raised frightened her, until she let it be: It is normal to feel anger towards them. Then, honestly: Not that I am over it by any means. Talking to family and friends has helped.

Food came to her through an aunt and a father. Summers at her aunt’s meant a garden, homemade spaghetti sauce, and vegetables canned and frozen with the children helping. Her father, an Army cook, taught her to never be afraid to try new things and to experiment with spices. Her five food words are Experimental, veggies, seafood, sauces, fruits. She invented a tortellini in brown butter that became a family favorite, and follows a heart-healthy plan of grilled chicken salad, fish and brown rice. Nothing brings me more joy then making others happy and cooking is a great way to do that!

The challenge she overcame was three and a half years of agoraphobia while raising two small children: I forced myself to go to therapy ( even though it meant leaving the house). It taught her that I can overcome anything even though it maybe hard and may take awhile. Her superpower: I usually stay calm. She also chose to protect a niece and nephew, at the cost of a close bond with her brother. Under stress she breathes and counts to ten; when sad, she reaches for chocolate. Her 2 a.m. person is a friend, the one can tell anything too.

On Day 5 she wishes I only craved fruits and vegetables! What stands in her way: Nothing but myself. What would help: A support system or buddy to do it with. Her letter is pure celebration: You set your goals and you reached for the stars! You are a rock star!!!!