I change by not changing at all….

This bracelet reminds me of how much I have lost, but also to keep seeking and finding peace in what I have today.  My name is Cari, and I have lived with chronic, intractable pain for 7 years. I used to be all the fun things:  A world traveler, a climber, hiker, biker, snowboarder.  Now my life is about survival:  Taking care of 2 young children and working as a nurse.  In between, I try to be a good friend, keep informed of world events, and be a role model for my boys.   My passion for other cultures and people comes alive when I open the World Atlas with my sons, or immerse myself in a book such as "Reading Lolita in Tehran".  What I have found in my travels is that we are all the same:  We all want to love & be loved; we all want our children to be happy & healthy; we all want to laugh and to cry, and for another human being to bear witness to it all. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED.

I received my bracelet from my friend Cari, who I have known for many years. When I was given the bracelet, it reminded me of all the changes I have went through in my life- jobs, places to live, relationships-and I welcomed these changes, yet I felt like I was always searching for something.... 3 years ago I moved back home after being gone for nearly 30 years. Living with my mother for the past 3 years has been a blessing, a challenge and a mistake on any given day, but this bracelet reminds me that, in a sense, I have come full circle and I feel like I am where I'm supposed to be right now.  Being back home where I feel I have roots and a foundation has inspired me to appreciate the struggles of those less fortunate than myself- it inspires me to be kind to others. Thank you, Cari for sharing your bracelet with me!