*heavy sigh* this is really hard for me to share, focus on, or even begin to write out. So, please, bear with me a bit.

You see, almost a year ago... a stupid bottle of juice had the biggest impact on my life and summer, more so than I ever could have imagined. In the moment I surely couldn't have even begun to dream up all that would come in the next few days, weeks, and even months... now, nearly a year later, I still find myself at time forgetting, suddenly noticing, then having to adjust all over again.

Strange as it may seem, without claiming scar, injury, or deformation... this is who I am: broken, mis-shapened, scarred, different, changed, and obviously aware of it all!

I had to learn how to rely on other people. I had to suck it up at times and learn that some of those people couldn't be relied upon. I had to share my stupidity, on a regular basis, with everyone... even complete strangers. I had to readjust my way of life. I had to readjust my schedule. I had to admit I needed more help than I let on.
All for a silly finger.

All the while, there were people... in[/out] of my life, who were possibly oblivious to it all. And as far as I know, they may still be to this day. That, in and of itself is foreign to me. That someone I hold so close & dear could not be a part of something so life-changing for me. That alone hurts, maybe more than the actual injury...

I can hold on to one thing, a simple reminder, a promise if you may... words, spoken from the heart, at just the right time!
"... and no one thinks any less of you because of your finger"