Gemotions

I found it in a box of old photographs. It was a letter I’d written to my sister, never sent, its contents full of youthful hopes and dreams. The paper was yellowed and fragile, and the handwriting, mine, was a little shaky. I sat on the living room floor, surrounded by memories.

I read the letter again, the words echoing the passions and aspirations of my youth. I smiled, a genuine, content smile. The life I now led had exceeded even my wildest expectations. A feeling of quiet happiness settled over me.

I looked around at my children, at the love I shared with my husband, at the home we had created. The letter was a reminder of how far I’d come, of the resilience and the joy that had shaped my life. A soft sigh escaped my lips, a feeling of deep peace.