All Of You

I am human.

I make mistakes.
I accept that about myself.

I try not to judge others,
because I know what it feels like to be judged.

I have stood beside people
long after it hurt to stay,
believing that walking away
was never the answer.

I have been abandoned
by the people who should have mattered most.

My father.
My mother.
My cousin, who felt like a sister.
My husband.
And, most heartbreakingly,
my daughters.

For years, I chased each of you.

I searched for answers.
I searched for understanding.
I searched for love.

I am no longer choosing that path.

I deserve better.

I am love.
I am truth.
I strive to do what is right.

My worth is not determined
by your neglect.

None of you ever stood before me
and told me why you left.

There were text messages.
There was silence.

I am worth more than both.

The silent treatment was your choice.

Choosing peace
is now mine.

I am not angry.

I simply believe that when someone truly loves you,
they do not choose to wound you this deeply.

So today, I let you go.

Not because I love you less,
but because I finally love myself enough
to stop chasing people
who keep walking away.

I love you.

I always will.

All of you.