Page 353 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland
P. 353

Epilogue


            what I have received is much more meaningful than material
            objects and fame.  When I hear from those who have been
            transformed by my story and music, that has been my greatest
            reward.
               And that is also why I knew I had to complete this book.
               The truth is, this literary effort has been a lifetime in the
            making. And I don’t just mean the living and enduring and
            fighting and surviving, I mean the actual writing down of it all.
            There were many times I just wanted to pack it in. Especially
            after my brother Billy drowned. It just seemed like all the pain
            and tragedy couldn’t possibly be real. I wondered if my life
            sounded like some over-acted soap opera. A melodrama that
            couldn’t possibly be true.
               It was hard enough to live through it all the first time. I
            wasn’t sure I could bring myself to live through it again. On
            paper.
               It has been difficult to dredge up the old heartaches and
            wounds and get in touch with those raw feelings and emotions
            once again. But there has also been an upside. Throughout this
            writing process I’ve been compelled to greater healing and
            deeper insight and compassion. Not only for my family but
            for all the other people who have left their mark on my life,
            positive or negative. I have a new appreciation of the tenacity
            and resilience I have been granted over my lifetime. I am proud
            of the years of personal work I have done which have led me
            to a most welcome place of truth and transparency. And yes, I
            have finally learned to love myself.
               When I realized I could help other people by sharing my
            story, I finally knew my purpose. Since then, there has been
            no turning back. My greatest desire has been to help as many
            people as possible find the freedom and healing that I have
            experienced. Owning your truth is a continuous journey and


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