Hazel C.

Lopez
BEED-1

For me’ LOVE is SACRIFICE.’ Like sacrificing your own happiness for
the certainty and welfare of the people you love.

I have sacrificed many years of being alone and far from my kids to
make sure that they will be provided with their needs and wants, to
give them the future they deserve and the life they always wanted.

My marriage was not successful and it really crushed me inside

leaving my two kids to their father because I didn’t have a stable job to
support them. It was not easy just talking to them by
phone, and watching pictures, being so happy without me, but I
cannot compromise their future with me.

I have been searching for my life and peace for over a decade but still
not able to find it yet. My past life really did a big impact on me until
today. I was not able to bounce back and I am still struggling to put the
pieces back together. Being alone with no support system really took
me so long for recovery, not until I surrendered it all to GOD. I was
able to feel that I am worthy, I am loved. I am deserving, I am valued. I
am accepted and appreciated. That’s when I was able to forgive
myself and the people who hurt me so much.

Now that I know my worth, I want to change my life and truly work on
regaining what I lost before.
I am so thankful for my kids that they have let me feel what love is
despite my pain and failures.
My kids are my anchor to not let go of love, and time will come that I
will be able to feel that I am loved too. Even in my age and status right
now, I am determined to stand up and change my life. I want to dream again
and I am starting to reach for my dream.

LOVE is everywhere; we just need to look for it. And hold on to the people
that made you feel loved so that you won’t get lost again.